Upload
others
View
7
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
VERMILIONF L Y C A T C H E R
MarchndashApril 2009 | Volume 54 Number 2
Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubonorg
Blue Mockingbird 3
Whatrsquos in a Name
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet 11
T U C S O N A U D U B O N rsquo S B I - M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R
iexclBienvenido Spring
Wintering Birds Stay North 12
Migrate into a Birdathon 14
Birds to See Where to Go 16
With the inauguration of the newadministration comes the renewal of theidea of individual responsibilityreminding us of the role each of us asindividuals can and should play in thesuccess of our country President BarackObama speaks often of a new era ofservice to our communities
In a recent speech he said ldquoAsPresident I ask for your service and youractive citizenship This will not be acause issued in one speech or programit will be a cause of my presidencyrdquo
Tucson Audubon Society thanks allmembers whose support shows what wecan achieve with this attitude Lookingforward we are excited about a newadministration and hope that this attitudeof generosity and selflessness goes onwell beyond four or eight years
For opportunities to provide yourservices to help Tucson Audubon make adifference in our community pleasecontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 orcharrisontucsonaudubonorg VF
2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly For addresschanges or subscription problems call 622-5622 or writeto Membership Coordinator Tucson Audubon 300 EUniversity Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705 Submissionsare due the 1st of the month two months before the dateof the issue Please send submissions as Microsoft Wordor RTF documents or plain text files to Matt Griffiths atmgriffithstucsonaudubonorg Coordinator Matt Griffiths 206-9900Proofreaders Jane amp Warren Tisdale 749-2139and Tucson Audubon staff Layout Eng-Li Green
Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improvingthe quality of the environment by providing educationconservation and recreation programsenvironmental leadership and information TucsonAudubon is a non-profit volunteer organization ofpeople with a common interest in birding and naturalhistory Tucson Audubon maintains offices a libraryand nature shops in Tucson the proceeds of whichbenefit all of its programs
Tucson Audubon Society 300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated
wwwtucsonaudubonorgBoard Officers amp Directors Messages 622-5622 President Herb TrossmanVice President Mich Coker Secretary Robert Merideth Treasurer Tom Rehm Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie DevelopmentSandy Elers Education Cynthia Pruett Finance Tom Rehm Nominating Robert MeridethDirectors at Large Clark Blake Mary Kay Eiermann SandyElers Julie Gordon Linda Greene Craig Marken RobertMesta Liz Payne Bill Roe Jessie Shinn Linda StitzerBob Wenrick Programs amp ActivitiesField Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315 Library David West 629-0510 Membership Meetings Chris Harrison 629-0757 Rare Bird Alert John Yerger | Report Rare Birds 798-1005 StaffExecutive Director Paul Green 777-9525Operations Manager Michael Monyak 629-0757Accountant Jean Boris 629-0757Education Program Manager Carrie Dean 622-2230Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks 629-2230Membership Development Chris Harrison 629-0757 Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman 622-5622 IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor 628-1730IBA Program Assistant Ruth Wilderman 628-1730Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen 206-9900 Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 Restoration Specialist Matthew Griffiths 206-9900Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom 971-6238 University Shop Manager Sara Pike 622-2230 Agua Caliente Shop Manager Becky Aparicio 760-7881 Nature ShopsTucson Audubon Nature Shop 300 E University Blvd 120 629-0510623-3476 fax 622-2230 Shop Manager Hours MondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM(10 AMndash5 PM Monday amp Thursday) closed Sunday Tucson Audubon at Agua Caliente Roy P Drachman Agua Caliente Park 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 Hours Tuesday Friday Saturday 9 AMndash330 PM
FRONT COVER Cliff SwallowPetrochelidon pyrrhonota The racecommonly found in Southeast ArizonaP p melanogaster lacks the paleforehead patch shown by this individualphotographed in California by MikeDanzenbaker Mike is a Birds amp BusinessAlliance member You can see more ofhis photos at wwwavesphotocom
To have your photo featured on the frontcover of the Vermilion Flycatcher pleasecontact Matt Griffiths at 206-9900 ormgriffithstucsonaudubonorg
Ask Not What Tucson Audubon Can Do For You Chris Harrison Membership amp Development Manager
Features
11 Whatrsquos in a Name NorthernBeardless-Tyrannulet
12 Bird Movements Reveal ClimateChange Threat
12 Beyond 60 Beyond Growth
14 Win-Win Birding
15 Ad-Hawk Birdathons Happen
16 ldquoiexclBienvenido Springrdquo
Departments
4 News Roundup
8 Events and Classes
9 Events Calendar
17 Conservation amp Education News
19 Field Trips
22 Birding from our BusinessPartners
24 Birds amp Business AllianceMembers Listings
25 TAS-ifieds
26 Nature Shops
27 Bookends
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Volunteers Seth Remer (left) and Craig Marken(right) helping with habitat restoration
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3
As I write this piece it is just a few
weeks since Barak Obama became the
44th President of the United States In
that short period of time a great feeling of
relief and joy has swept over the nation
and the environmental community in
particular The Bush administration had
waged a relentless war against
environmental regulations for the past
eight years and the new administration
appears to be moving rapidly to reverse
some of the last-minute anti-
environmental regulations imposed by
that administration
While there is no universal agreement
that President Obamarsquos choices for the
cabinet and governmental agency
positions that affect the environment were
wise they generally reflect sensitivity
towards the environment that the former
administration lacked From the viewpoint
of Arizonans we might have preferred
Rauacutel Grijalva to Ken Salazar but the
appointment of Carol Browner (President
Clintonrsquos head of the EPA) as the
White Housersquos chief of energy and
environmental issues appears to be an
enlightened choice Another encouraging
appointment (which has its negative side
as we will point out later) was our former
Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary
of Homeland Security As head of the
agency that has jurisdiction over border
issues we can hope for a more
enlightened approach to securing the
border than building a fence It is still too
early to make a complete assessment of
all these appointments of course and it
will largely depend on those who are
appointed for the staff positions
With the words ldquorestore science to its
rightful placerdquo in his inaugural address
President Obama brought new hope that
after eight years of ignoring and often
suppressing good science the
government will restore its scientific
agencies to their rightful roles in
protecting the environment The news
media report that staff members of these
agencies seem to feel their long winter
may be over
That was the good news Now for the
bad news While the federal government
seems to be heading for a new period of
enlightenment on environmental issues
the reverse may be happening to Arizona
Although we are all happy that Janet
Napolitano has moved on to the national
stage as head of Homeland Security it
has left Arizona with a legislature and new
governor that may be a carbon copy of
the former federal administration While
the majority of the country is moving in a
new direction it seems that Arizona may
be going in the opposite direction
Both the federal and state governments
are facing a financial crisis and massive
deficits but their approach to solving the
problems appears to be drastically
different While the federal government
has pledged to revive the agencies that
protect the environment and restore
science to its rightful place in deciding
policy our state government will probably
head in the other direction Budget cutting
seems to be the mantra of the new
governor and legislature and we can all
guess where those cuts will come The
agencies that may be cut of most
concern to Tucson Audubon are Game amp
Fish State Parks and the Department of
Environmental Quality We obtain most of
our funding for the Important Bird Areas
program from Arizona Game and Fish
and any significant cut to its budget may
jeopardize our ability to sustain the
program
What can we as members of Tucson
Audubon do to help us through difficult
times First remain true to our ideals and
continue to support our conservation
efforts to protect our precious
environment Another and very important
is to continue YOUR financial support of
Tucson Audubon and if possible
increase your support We are all feeling
the effect of the current financial crisis
and many of us will have to adjust our
lifestyle accordingly but most of the
things we eliminate from our standard of
living can easily be replaced when times
improve What cannot be easily replaced
is a diminished environment We must
maintain what we have and Tucson
Audubon is working to do this so your
continued support is essential VF
COMMENTARYHERB TROSSMAN | PRESIDENT
copyC
HA
RLE
S W
MEL
TON
W
WW
NEA
RFA
MO
US
CO
M
The Blue Mockingbird above was photographed at Slaughter Ranch 15 miles east of Douglas onFebruary 11 2009 by Charles W Melton Found by Richard Webster it is only the fifth recorded in theUSA And what a fantastic bird Spiky electric blue with ruby red eyes it seemed more like a jay than amockingbird (or as I later decided more like a roller or even a motmot) mdashRichard Fray VF
What the Change in the Federal and StateGovernments Means for Tucson Audubon The Good News and the Bad News
PAT
TRO
SSM
AN
Tucson Audubon held its firstGala Making a Place forWildlife on the evening ofWednesday February 4 at theglorious Arizona Inn in TucsonBright winter sunlight dimmedas guests arrived for an hourof cocktails and a silentauction in the Flandrau HouseVisitors representing a widespectrum of Tucsonrsquospopulation mingled whilebidding on everything frombinoculars to artwork andbirding trips They also strolledoutside to hear Sr FranciscoGonzalez serenade theassembly with Mexican songsplayed on a Peruvian harp
Around 140 were serveddinner in the elegant TucsonRoom decorated with nativegrasses origami cranes andflowers A spectacular slideshow generously provided bylocal photographers playedthrough the evening a visualreminder of the birds andhabitats that Tucson Audubonseeks to protect TucsonAudubon Vice President MichCoker as emcee for theevening presented lifetimememberships to all pastpresidents and executive
directors on behalf of theBoard of Directors of TucsonAudubon Paul GreenExecutive Director welcomedthe group and spoke aboutcurrent and future projects
Jim Dawson of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museumbegan the program with aHarrisrsquos Hawk free flight Itglided over the heads ofguests delighting one and all
Dr John SchaeferPresident Emeritus of TheUniversity of Arizona and pastPresident of Tucson Audubonpresented anecdotes fromearlier days of our societyKeynote speaker Dr MichaelRosenzweig an evolutionaryecologist at The University ofArizona spoke aboutreconciling the needs ofpeople and wildlife throughurban habitat programs andways that Tucson Audubon andThe University of Arizona couldwork together to benefit birdswildlife and people
Three hours after we beganexcited guests continued totalk in small groups somecollecting their silent auction
winnings To our delight manyreported that this was anextraordinary and fun eventand were already planning tojoin us again next year for our2010 Gala We hope to seeyou there also Watch thisspace for the date
Left to right Dr John Schaefer past President of Tucson Audubon and Ellen Skotheim Tucson Audubon Conservation Chair Chris McVie Arizona Game and FishCommissioner Bob Hernbrod and Joan Cauthorn Keynote speaker Dr Michael Rosenzweig Director of Tumamoc People and Habitats and Carole Rosenzweig
4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
ALL
PH
OTO
S K
END
ALL
KR
OES
EN
Gala soars withHarrisrsquos HawkSandy Elers DevelopmentCommittee Chair
On April 25 1999 Tucson Audubon Society formally dedicatedthe property of William and Orpha Mason as the Mason Centerfor Ironwood Preservation and Environmental Education OnApril 25 2009 Tucson Audubon will celebrate this 10-year
anniversary with a fundraiser called the
IRONWOOD JAMwith WAY OUT WEST bluebhikkucomWayOutWesthtmand THE WAYBACK MACHINE waybackmachinecom
Saturday April 25 2009Starting around 6 PM and going lsquotil the music and dancing stop
$12adult in advance at Tucson Audubon Nature Shops $15 at the gate
Food and drink for sale and bring a chairAll proceeds benefit Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
and its programsFor more information contact Lia Sansom at 971-6238 and check our website for updates
PHIL
PR
ITC
HA
RD
ldquo 60 years later the AudubonSocietyrsquos noble mission is evenmore crucial to the future ofArizona the second fastest growingstate in the nation Your visiondedication and hard work havebeen instrumental in saving fromdevelopment many pricelesshabitats throughout SoutheasternArizonardquo
Right Part of CongresswomanGabrielle Giffordsrsquos letter of
congratulations on Tucson Audubonrsquos60th Anniversary For full text go to
wwwtucsonaudubonorggiffords_60yrletterpdf
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
The Arizona Important Bird Areas(IBA) program at Tucson Audubon hasreceived a modest grant to expandour investigations of bird speciesoccurrence abundance and habitatuse within the BHP Billiton mining companyrsquos- held riparian lands alongthe Lower San Pedro River nearSan Manuel Arizona Our surveyswill cover the spring migration andbreeding season and be particularlyfocused on raptors (notably GrayHawk) kingbirds and the Yellow- billedCuckoo but will document all birdsdetected in our study area (a 14 kmlinear riparian corridor) Initial field
work begins in March with our firstsurvey in midlate April All past orcurrent IBA workshop attendees areencouraged to contact the TAS- IBAoffice to sign up to participate(mileage and hotel costs will becovered) Last yearrsquos report isavailable on- line a wwwazibaorg
We are conducting expanded birdsurveys and new habitat conditiondocumentation in new areas of theGreater SabinoTanque Verdewatershed Based on our findings wemay propose an expansion of theexisting SabinoBear Creeks IBA toencompass more of watershed We
will also be working to have newconservation measures enacted forthese drainages by privatelandowners and Pima County An owl
survey along Tanque Verde Wash onJan 23 2009 found 7 Great HornedOwls in 12 miles Another IBA OwlSurvey March 11 2009 alongTanque Verde Wash is open forparticipant sign- up (limit 8participants) call early to reserve yourspot (628ndash1730) You do not need tobe an IBA volunteer
Lastly we will host an IBARiparian Species ID Workshop forpast or current IBA Workshopattendees that will also be held alongthe San Pedro River in March orearly April Our goal is to sharpencurrent team skills for our surveyefforts in 2009 particularly for thosefolks who can assist our efforts atBHP in San Manuel and thePatagonia Mountains and to assistour partnership with Arizona Game ampFish Department and bird monitoringat riparian plots near our IBAs Checkour website at wwwazibaorg forfinal details or call Scott (628-1730)
IBA surveys focus on Lower San Pedro River and Greater SabinoTanque Verde watershed this springScott Wilbor Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
LEFT
SC
OTT
WIL
BO
R C
ENTE
R L
IZ B
UR
KE
Left and center Within the Lower San Pedro River IBA the extensive BHP Billiton riparian lands near San Manuel Arizona will be further investigated this spring andsummer for their importance to all birds but especially species of conservation concern their habitat associations and key vegetative components of nest areasAudubon and many partners are interested in the future conservation of this special riparian corridor Right Gray Hawk
Unfortunately I have no new picturesof me sitting on a toilet but we are stillmoving in a positive direction towardshaving this bathroom built Check theTucson Audubon website for updateson construction opportunities to see
the construction in progress andvolunteer possibilities Ground-breaking is planned for some time inMarch and we hope it will becompleted in time for theIronwood Jam (see p 4)
Mason Center bathroom updateLia Sansom Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason CenterOutreach Coordinator
Tanque Verde Wash is a conservation focus for the Important Bird Areas Program (part of the greater Sabino IBA region)and the site of continuing owl surveys this spring Off-road vehicles habitat fragmentation non-native vegetation are keythreats impacting this ecosystem
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
SCO
TT W
ILB
OR
By reducing outdoor use of potablewater and creating more shadelandscape designers can help reduceenergy consumption and greenhousegas emissions Tucson Audubon aimsto help the Tucson landscapingcommunity do an even better job ofcreating landscapes that supportwildlife conserve water and reducethe urban heat island effect
Towards this end Tucson Audubonrecently created and taught its firstcourse on creating bird-friendlysustainable landscapes The courseattracted twenty-two people includingmany from the landscape designcommunity
We collaborated with many expertsin our community Greg Cormanhelped design and teach the coursehis company Gardening Insights aBirds amp Business Alliance memberdoes horticultural consulting andlandscape design with emphasis on
native plants and wildlife-friendlylandscapes Other experts includedAnn Audrey Carolyn Campbell DorisEvans Brad Lancaster Carl OlsonJim Verrier and Scott WilborExecutive Director Paul Green and Iwove these expert contributions into acohesive course fabric
Desert Survivors Nursery hosted asession providing an opportunity tolearn about the hundreds of speciesof native plants for sale there
Some key landscape innovationstaught in the course included nativeplant guilds that work for birdsmaintaining healthy insect diversityrainwater harvesting and habitatdesigns for lizards
Important course conceptsincluded integrated designbiodiversity design simplicity andswitching from a scarcity mindset toan abundance mindset the lattergraphically illustrated by Brad
Lancaster We also discussed thehabitat needs of Tucson birds and theimportance of landscape linkages
We are using detailed feedbackfrom the participants to help usimprove the course for its nextinception We are beefing up detailsabout landscape components forwildlife and Saturday sessions willinclude field trips to model Tucsonlandscapes Due to significant interestin the course we will teach it again inSeptember 2009
There is a large potential audienceincluding master gardenersneighborhood associations municipal
planners bird enthusiasts backyarddo-it-yourselfers and many others
To reserve you place for theSeptember 2009 classes pleasecontact Kendall at 206ndash9900 or kkroesen tucsonaudubonorg
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Learning to create homes forbirds in our backyards
Next course planned for September
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
Top The course met at TucsonAudubon and several other locationsParticipants saw a variety ofpresentations on wildlife andlandscaping and visited someimportant field sites
Middle Course participants wereexposed to results of the Tucson BirdCount including that a neighborhoodonly needs to have 10 percent of itsground surface covered by SonoranDesert vegetation in order to supportGambelrsquos Quail Vegetative coverneeds are higher for other speciesbut are still reachable
Bottom One of the class field tripswas to Milagro Cohousing adevelopment on Tucsonrsquos west sidethat employs extensive rainwaterharvesting and graywater use
DO
RIS
EVA
NS
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
With the inauguration of the newadministration comes the renewal of theidea of individual responsibilityreminding us of the role each of us asindividuals can and should play in thesuccess of our country President BarackObama speaks often of a new era ofservice to our communities
In a recent speech he said ldquoAsPresident I ask for your service and youractive citizenship This will not be acause issued in one speech or programit will be a cause of my presidencyrdquo
Tucson Audubon Society thanks allmembers whose support shows what wecan achieve with this attitude Lookingforward we are excited about a newadministration and hope that this attitudeof generosity and selflessness goes onwell beyond four or eight years
For opportunities to provide yourservices to help Tucson Audubon make adifference in our community pleasecontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 orcharrisontucsonaudubonorg VF
2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly For addresschanges or subscription problems call 622-5622 or writeto Membership Coordinator Tucson Audubon 300 EUniversity Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705 Submissionsare due the 1st of the month two months before the dateof the issue Please send submissions as Microsoft Wordor RTF documents or plain text files to Matt Griffiths atmgriffithstucsonaudubonorg Coordinator Matt Griffiths 206-9900Proofreaders Jane amp Warren Tisdale 749-2139and Tucson Audubon staff Layout Eng-Li Green
Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improvingthe quality of the environment by providing educationconservation and recreation programsenvironmental leadership and information TucsonAudubon is a non-profit volunteer organization ofpeople with a common interest in birding and naturalhistory Tucson Audubon maintains offices a libraryand nature shops in Tucson the proceeds of whichbenefit all of its programs
Tucson Audubon Society 300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated
wwwtucsonaudubonorgBoard Officers amp Directors Messages 622-5622 President Herb TrossmanVice President Mich Coker Secretary Robert Merideth Treasurer Tom Rehm Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie DevelopmentSandy Elers Education Cynthia Pruett Finance Tom Rehm Nominating Robert MeridethDirectors at Large Clark Blake Mary Kay Eiermann SandyElers Julie Gordon Linda Greene Craig Marken RobertMesta Liz Payne Bill Roe Jessie Shinn Linda StitzerBob Wenrick Programs amp ActivitiesField Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315 Library David West 629-0510 Membership Meetings Chris Harrison 629-0757 Rare Bird Alert John Yerger | Report Rare Birds 798-1005 StaffExecutive Director Paul Green 777-9525Operations Manager Michael Monyak 629-0757Accountant Jean Boris 629-0757Education Program Manager Carrie Dean 622-2230Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks 629-2230Membership Development Chris Harrison 629-0757 Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman 622-5622 IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor 628-1730IBA Program Assistant Ruth Wilderman 628-1730Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen 206-9900 Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 Restoration Specialist Matthew Griffiths 206-9900Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom 971-6238 University Shop Manager Sara Pike 622-2230 Agua Caliente Shop Manager Becky Aparicio 760-7881 Nature ShopsTucson Audubon Nature Shop 300 E University Blvd 120 629-0510623-3476 fax 622-2230 Shop Manager Hours MondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM(10 AMndash5 PM Monday amp Thursday) closed Sunday Tucson Audubon at Agua Caliente Roy P Drachman Agua Caliente Park 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 Hours Tuesday Friday Saturday 9 AMndash330 PM
FRONT COVER Cliff SwallowPetrochelidon pyrrhonota The racecommonly found in Southeast ArizonaP p melanogaster lacks the paleforehead patch shown by this individualphotographed in California by MikeDanzenbaker Mike is a Birds amp BusinessAlliance member You can see more ofhis photos at wwwavesphotocom
To have your photo featured on the frontcover of the Vermilion Flycatcher pleasecontact Matt Griffiths at 206-9900 ormgriffithstucsonaudubonorg
Ask Not What Tucson Audubon Can Do For You Chris Harrison Membership amp Development Manager
Features
11 Whatrsquos in a Name NorthernBeardless-Tyrannulet
12 Bird Movements Reveal ClimateChange Threat
12 Beyond 60 Beyond Growth
14 Win-Win Birding
15 Ad-Hawk Birdathons Happen
16 ldquoiexclBienvenido Springrdquo
Departments
4 News Roundup
8 Events and Classes
9 Events Calendar
17 Conservation amp Education News
19 Field Trips
22 Birding from our BusinessPartners
24 Birds amp Business AllianceMembers Listings
25 TAS-ifieds
26 Nature Shops
27 Bookends
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Volunteers Seth Remer (left) and Craig Marken(right) helping with habitat restoration
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3
As I write this piece it is just a few
weeks since Barak Obama became the
44th President of the United States In
that short period of time a great feeling of
relief and joy has swept over the nation
and the environmental community in
particular The Bush administration had
waged a relentless war against
environmental regulations for the past
eight years and the new administration
appears to be moving rapidly to reverse
some of the last-minute anti-
environmental regulations imposed by
that administration
While there is no universal agreement
that President Obamarsquos choices for the
cabinet and governmental agency
positions that affect the environment were
wise they generally reflect sensitivity
towards the environment that the former
administration lacked From the viewpoint
of Arizonans we might have preferred
Rauacutel Grijalva to Ken Salazar but the
appointment of Carol Browner (President
Clintonrsquos head of the EPA) as the
White Housersquos chief of energy and
environmental issues appears to be an
enlightened choice Another encouraging
appointment (which has its negative side
as we will point out later) was our former
Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary
of Homeland Security As head of the
agency that has jurisdiction over border
issues we can hope for a more
enlightened approach to securing the
border than building a fence It is still too
early to make a complete assessment of
all these appointments of course and it
will largely depend on those who are
appointed for the staff positions
With the words ldquorestore science to its
rightful placerdquo in his inaugural address
President Obama brought new hope that
after eight years of ignoring and often
suppressing good science the
government will restore its scientific
agencies to their rightful roles in
protecting the environment The news
media report that staff members of these
agencies seem to feel their long winter
may be over
That was the good news Now for the
bad news While the federal government
seems to be heading for a new period of
enlightenment on environmental issues
the reverse may be happening to Arizona
Although we are all happy that Janet
Napolitano has moved on to the national
stage as head of Homeland Security it
has left Arizona with a legislature and new
governor that may be a carbon copy of
the former federal administration While
the majority of the country is moving in a
new direction it seems that Arizona may
be going in the opposite direction
Both the federal and state governments
are facing a financial crisis and massive
deficits but their approach to solving the
problems appears to be drastically
different While the federal government
has pledged to revive the agencies that
protect the environment and restore
science to its rightful place in deciding
policy our state government will probably
head in the other direction Budget cutting
seems to be the mantra of the new
governor and legislature and we can all
guess where those cuts will come The
agencies that may be cut of most
concern to Tucson Audubon are Game amp
Fish State Parks and the Department of
Environmental Quality We obtain most of
our funding for the Important Bird Areas
program from Arizona Game and Fish
and any significant cut to its budget may
jeopardize our ability to sustain the
program
What can we as members of Tucson
Audubon do to help us through difficult
times First remain true to our ideals and
continue to support our conservation
efforts to protect our precious
environment Another and very important
is to continue YOUR financial support of
Tucson Audubon and if possible
increase your support We are all feeling
the effect of the current financial crisis
and many of us will have to adjust our
lifestyle accordingly but most of the
things we eliminate from our standard of
living can easily be replaced when times
improve What cannot be easily replaced
is a diminished environment We must
maintain what we have and Tucson
Audubon is working to do this so your
continued support is essential VF
COMMENTARYHERB TROSSMAN | PRESIDENT
copyC
HA
RLE
S W
MEL
TON
W
WW
NEA
RFA
MO
US
CO
M
The Blue Mockingbird above was photographed at Slaughter Ranch 15 miles east of Douglas onFebruary 11 2009 by Charles W Melton Found by Richard Webster it is only the fifth recorded in theUSA And what a fantastic bird Spiky electric blue with ruby red eyes it seemed more like a jay than amockingbird (or as I later decided more like a roller or even a motmot) mdashRichard Fray VF
What the Change in the Federal and StateGovernments Means for Tucson Audubon The Good News and the Bad News
PAT
TRO
SSM
AN
Tucson Audubon held its firstGala Making a Place forWildlife on the evening ofWednesday February 4 at theglorious Arizona Inn in TucsonBright winter sunlight dimmedas guests arrived for an hourof cocktails and a silentauction in the Flandrau HouseVisitors representing a widespectrum of Tucsonrsquospopulation mingled whilebidding on everything frombinoculars to artwork andbirding trips They also strolledoutside to hear Sr FranciscoGonzalez serenade theassembly with Mexican songsplayed on a Peruvian harp
Around 140 were serveddinner in the elegant TucsonRoom decorated with nativegrasses origami cranes andflowers A spectacular slideshow generously provided bylocal photographers playedthrough the evening a visualreminder of the birds andhabitats that Tucson Audubonseeks to protect TucsonAudubon Vice President MichCoker as emcee for theevening presented lifetimememberships to all pastpresidents and executive
directors on behalf of theBoard of Directors of TucsonAudubon Paul GreenExecutive Director welcomedthe group and spoke aboutcurrent and future projects
Jim Dawson of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museumbegan the program with aHarrisrsquos Hawk free flight Itglided over the heads ofguests delighting one and all
Dr John SchaeferPresident Emeritus of TheUniversity of Arizona and pastPresident of Tucson Audubonpresented anecdotes fromearlier days of our societyKeynote speaker Dr MichaelRosenzweig an evolutionaryecologist at The University ofArizona spoke aboutreconciling the needs ofpeople and wildlife throughurban habitat programs andways that Tucson Audubon andThe University of Arizona couldwork together to benefit birdswildlife and people
Three hours after we beganexcited guests continued totalk in small groups somecollecting their silent auction
winnings To our delight manyreported that this was anextraordinary and fun eventand were already planning tojoin us again next year for our2010 Gala We hope to seeyou there also Watch thisspace for the date
Left to right Dr John Schaefer past President of Tucson Audubon and Ellen Skotheim Tucson Audubon Conservation Chair Chris McVie Arizona Game and FishCommissioner Bob Hernbrod and Joan Cauthorn Keynote speaker Dr Michael Rosenzweig Director of Tumamoc People and Habitats and Carole Rosenzweig
4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
ALL
PH
OTO
S K
END
ALL
KR
OES
EN
Gala soars withHarrisrsquos HawkSandy Elers DevelopmentCommittee Chair
On April 25 1999 Tucson Audubon Society formally dedicatedthe property of William and Orpha Mason as the Mason Centerfor Ironwood Preservation and Environmental Education OnApril 25 2009 Tucson Audubon will celebrate this 10-year
anniversary with a fundraiser called the
IRONWOOD JAMwith WAY OUT WEST bluebhikkucomWayOutWesthtmand THE WAYBACK MACHINE waybackmachinecom
Saturday April 25 2009Starting around 6 PM and going lsquotil the music and dancing stop
$12adult in advance at Tucson Audubon Nature Shops $15 at the gate
Food and drink for sale and bring a chairAll proceeds benefit Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
and its programsFor more information contact Lia Sansom at 971-6238 and check our website for updates
PHIL
PR
ITC
HA
RD
ldquo 60 years later the AudubonSocietyrsquos noble mission is evenmore crucial to the future ofArizona the second fastest growingstate in the nation Your visiondedication and hard work havebeen instrumental in saving fromdevelopment many pricelesshabitats throughout SoutheasternArizonardquo
Right Part of CongresswomanGabrielle Giffordsrsquos letter of
congratulations on Tucson Audubonrsquos60th Anniversary For full text go to
wwwtucsonaudubonorggiffords_60yrletterpdf
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
The Arizona Important Bird Areas(IBA) program at Tucson Audubon hasreceived a modest grant to expandour investigations of bird speciesoccurrence abundance and habitatuse within the BHP Billiton mining companyrsquos- held riparian lands alongthe Lower San Pedro River nearSan Manuel Arizona Our surveyswill cover the spring migration andbreeding season and be particularlyfocused on raptors (notably GrayHawk) kingbirds and the Yellow- billedCuckoo but will document all birdsdetected in our study area (a 14 kmlinear riparian corridor) Initial field
work begins in March with our firstsurvey in midlate April All past orcurrent IBA workshop attendees areencouraged to contact the TAS- IBAoffice to sign up to participate(mileage and hotel costs will becovered) Last yearrsquos report isavailable on- line a wwwazibaorg
We are conducting expanded birdsurveys and new habitat conditiondocumentation in new areas of theGreater SabinoTanque Verdewatershed Based on our findings wemay propose an expansion of theexisting SabinoBear Creeks IBA toencompass more of watershed We
will also be working to have newconservation measures enacted forthese drainages by privatelandowners and Pima County An owl
survey along Tanque Verde Wash onJan 23 2009 found 7 Great HornedOwls in 12 miles Another IBA OwlSurvey March 11 2009 alongTanque Verde Wash is open forparticipant sign- up (limit 8participants) call early to reserve yourspot (628ndash1730) You do not need tobe an IBA volunteer
Lastly we will host an IBARiparian Species ID Workshop forpast or current IBA Workshopattendees that will also be held alongthe San Pedro River in March orearly April Our goal is to sharpencurrent team skills for our surveyefforts in 2009 particularly for thosefolks who can assist our efforts atBHP in San Manuel and thePatagonia Mountains and to assistour partnership with Arizona Game ampFish Department and bird monitoringat riparian plots near our IBAs Checkour website at wwwazibaorg forfinal details or call Scott (628-1730)
IBA surveys focus on Lower San Pedro River and Greater SabinoTanque Verde watershed this springScott Wilbor Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
LEFT
SC
OTT
WIL
BO
R C
ENTE
R L
IZ B
UR
KE
Left and center Within the Lower San Pedro River IBA the extensive BHP Billiton riparian lands near San Manuel Arizona will be further investigated this spring andsummer for their importance to all birds but especially species of conservation concern their habitat associations and key vegetative components of nest areasAudubon and many partners are interested in the future conservation of this special riparian corridor Right Gray Hawk
Unfortunately I have no new picturesof me sitting on a toilet but we are stillmoving in a positive direction towardshaving this bathroom built Check theTucson Audubon website for updateson construction opportunities to see
the construction in progress andvolunteer possibilities Ground-breaking is planned for some time inMarch and we hope it will becompleted in time for theIronwood Jam (see p 4)
Mason Center bathroom updateLia Sansom Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason CenterOutreach Coordinator
Tanque Verde Wash is a conservation focus for the Important Bird Areas Program (part of the greater Sabino IBA region)and the site of continuing owl surveys this spring Off-road vehicles habitat fragmentation non-native vegetation are keythreats impacting this ecosystem
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
SCO
TT W
ILB
OR
By reducing outdoor use of potablewater and creating more shadelandscape designers can help reduceenergy consumption and greenhousegas emissions Tucson Audubon aimsto help the Tucson landscapingcommunity do an even better job ofcreating landscapes that supportwildlife conserve water and reducethe urban heat island effect
Towards this end Tucson Audubonrecently created and taught its firstcourse on creating bird-friendlysustainable landscapes The courseattracted twenty-two people includingmany from the landscape designcommunity
We collaborated with many expertsin our community Greg Cormanhelped design and teach the coursehis company Gardening Insights aBirds amp Business Alliance memberdoes horticultural consulting andlandscape design with emphasis on
native plants and wildlife-friendlylandscapes Other experts includedAnn Audrey Carolyn Campbell DorisEvans Brad Lancaster Carl OlsonJim Verrier and Scott WilborExecutive Director Paul Green and Iwove these expert contributions into acohesive course fabric
Desert Survivors Nursery hosted asession providing an opportunity tolearn about the hundreds of speciesof native plants for sale there
Some key landscape innovationstaught in the course included nativeplant guilds that work for birdsmaintaining healthy insect diversityrainwater harvesting and habitatdesigns for lizards
Important course conceptsincluded integrated designbiodiversity design simplicity andswitching from a scarcity mindset toan abundance mindset the lattergraphically illustrated by Brad
Lancaster We also discussed thehabitat needs of Tucson birds and theimportance of landscape linkages
We are using detailed feedbackfrom the participants to help usimprove the course for its nextinception We are beefing up detailsabout landscape components forwildlife and Saturday sessions willinclude field trips to model Tucsonlandscapes Due to significant interestin the course we will teach it again inSeptember 2009
There is a large potential audienceincluding master gardenersneighborhood associations municipal
planners bird enthusiasts backyarddo-it-yourselfers and many others
To reserve you place for theSeptember 2009 classes pleasecontact Kendall at 206ndash9900 or kkroesen tucsonaudubonorg
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Learning to create homes forbirds in our backyards
Next course planned for September
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
Top The course met at TucsonAudubon and several other locationsParticipants saw a variety ofpresentations on wildlife andlandscaping and visited someimportant field sites
Middle Course participants wereexposed to results of the Tucson BirdCount including that a neighborhoodonly needs to have 10 percent of itsground surface covered by SonoranDesert vegetation in order to supportGambelrsquos Quail Vegetative coverneeds are higher for other speciesbut are still reachable
Bottom One of the class field tripswas to Milagro Cohousing adevelopment on Tucsonrsquos west sidethat employs extensive rainwaterharvesting and graywater use
DO
RIS
EVA
NS
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3
As I write this piece it is just a few
weeks since Barak Obama became the
44th President of the United States In
that short period of time a great feeling of
relief and joy has swept over the nation
and the environmental community in
particular The Bush administration had
waged a relentless war against
environmental regulations for the past
eight years and the new administration
appears to be moving rapidly to reverse
some of the last-minute anti-
environmental regulations imposed by
that administration
While there is no universal agreement
that President Obamarsquos choices for the
cabinet and governmental agency
positions that affect the environment were
wise they generally reflect sensitivity
towards the environment that the former
administration lacked From the viewpoint
of Arizonans we might have preferred
Rauacutel Grijalva to Ken Salazar but the
appointment of Carol Browner (President
Clintonrsquos head of the EPA) as the
White Housersquos chief of energy and
environmental issues appears to be an
enlightened choice Another encouraging
appointment (which has its negative side
as we will point out later) was our former
Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary
of Homeland Security As head of the
agency that has jurisdiction over border
issues we can hope for a more
enlightened approach to securing the
border than building a fence It is still too
early to make a complete assessment of
all these appointments of course and it
will largely depend on those who are
appointed for the staff positions
With the words ldquorestore science to its
rightful placerdquo in his inaugural address
President Obama brought new hope that
after eight years of ignoring and often
suppressing good science the
government will restore its scientific
agencies to their rightful roles in
protecting the environment The news
media report that staff members of these
agencies seem to feel their long winter
may be over
That was the good news Now for the
bad news While the federal government
seems to be heading for a new period of
enlightenment on environmental issues
the reverse may be happening to Arizona
Although we are all happy that Janet
Napolitano has moved on to the national
stage as head of Homeland Security it
has left Arizona with a legislature and new
governor that may be a carbon copy of
the former federal administration While
the majority of the country is moving in a
new direction it seems that Arizona may
be going in the opposite direction
Both the federal and state governments
are facing a financial crisis and massive
deficits but their approach to solving the
problems appears to be drastically
different While the federal government
has pledged to revive the agencies that
protect the environment and restore
science to its rightful place in deciding
policy our state government will probably
head in the other direction Budget cutting
seems to be the mantra of the new
governor and legislature and we can all
guess where those cuts will come The
agencies that may be cut of most
concern to Tucson Audubon are Game amp
Fish State Parks and the Department of
Environmental Quality We obtain most of
our funding for the Important Bird Areas
program from Arizona Game and Fish
and any significant cut to its budget may
jeopardize our ability to sustain the
program
What can we as members of Tucson
Audubon do to help us through difficult
times First remain true to our ideals and
continue to support our conservation
efforts to protect our precious
environment Another and very important
is to continue YOUR financial support of
Tucson Audubon and if possible
increase your support We are all feeling
the effect of the current financial crisis
and many of us will have to adjust our
lifestyle accordingly but most of the
things we eliminate from our standard of
living can easily be replaced when times
improve What cannot be easily replaced
is a diminished environment We must
maintain what we have and Tucson
Audubon is working to do this so your
continued support is essential VF
COMMENTARYHERB TROSSMAN | PRESIDENT
copyC
HA
RLE
S W
MEL
TON
W
WW
NEA
RFA
MO
US
CO
M
The Blue Mockingbird above was photographed at Slaughter Ranch 15 miles east of Douglas onFebruary 11 2009 by Charles W Melton Found by Richard Webster it is only the fifth recorded in theUSA And what a fantastic bird Spiky electric blue with ruby red eyes it seemed more like a jay than amockingbird (or as I later decided more like a roller or even a motmot) mdashRichard Fray VF
What the Change in the Federal and StateGovernments Means for Tucson Audubon The Good News and the Bad News
PAT
TRO
SSM
AN
Tucson Audubon held its firstGala Making a Place forWildlife on the evening ofWednesday February 4 at theglorious Arizona Inn in TucsonBright winter sunlight dimmedas guests arrived for an hourof cocktails and a silentauction in the Flandrau HouseVisitors representing a widespectrum of Tucsonrsquospopulation mingled whilebidding on everything frombinoculars to artwork andbirding trips They also strolledoutside to hear Sr FranciscoGonzalez serenade theassembly with Mexican songsplayed on a Peruvian harp
Around 140 were serveddinner in the elegant TucsonRoom decorated with nativegrasses origami cranes andflowers A spectacular slideshow generously provided bylocal photographers playedthrough the evening a visualreminder of the birds andhabitats that Tucson Audubonseeks to protect TucsonAudubon Vice President MichCoker as emcee for theevening presented lifetimememberships to all pastpresidents and executive
directors on behalf of theBoard of Directors of TucsonAudubon Paul GreenExecutive Director welcomedthe group and spoke aboutcurrent and future projects
Jim Dawson of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museumbegan the program with aHarrisrsquos Hawk free flight Itglided over the heads ofguests delighting one and all
Dr John SchaeferPresident Emeritus of TheUniversity of Arizona and pastPresident of Tucson Audubonpresented anecdotes fromearlier days of our societyKeynote speaker Dr MichaelRosenzweig an evolutionaryecologist at The University ofArizona spoke aboutreconciling the needs ofpeople and wildlife throughurban habitat programs andways that Tucson Audubon andThe University of Arizona couldwork together to benefit birdswildlife and people
Three hours after we beganexcited guests continued totalk in small groups somecollecting their silent auction
winnings To our delight manyreported that this was anextraordinary and fun eventand were already planning tojoin us again next year for our2010 Gala We hope to seeyou there also Watch thisspace for the date
Left to right Dr John Schaefer past President of Tucson Audubon and Ellen Skotheim Tucson Audubon Conservation Chair Chris McVie Arizona Game and FishCommissioner Bob Hernbrod and Joan Cauthorn Keynote speaker Dr Michael Rosenzweig Director of Tumamoc People and Habitats and Carole Rosenzweig
4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
ALL
PH
OTO
S K
END
ALL
KR
OES
EN
Gala soars withHarrisrsquos HawkSandy Elers DevelopmentCommittee Chair
On April 25 1999 Tucson Audubon Society formally dedicatedthe property of William and Orpha Mason as the Mason Centerfor Ironwood Preservation and Environmental Education OnApril 25 2009 Tucson Audubon will celebrate this 10-year
anniversary with a fundraiser called the
IRONWOOD JAMwith WAY OUT WEST bluebhikkucomWayOutWesthtmand THE WAYBACK MACHINE waybackmachinecom
Saturday April 25 2009Starting around 6 PM and going lsquotil the music and dancing stop
$12adult in advance at Tucson Audubon Nature Shops $15 at the gate
Food and drink for sale and bring a chairAll proceeds benefit Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
and its programsFor more information contact Lia Sansom at 971-6238 and check our website for updates
PHIL
PR
ITC
HA
RD
ldquo 60 years later the AudubonSocietyrsquos noble mission is evenmore crucial to the future ofArizona the second fastest growingstate in the nation Your visiondedication and hard work havebeen instrumental in saving fromdevelopment many pricelesshabitats throughout SoutheasternArizonardquo
Right Part of CongresswomanGabrielle Giffordsrsquos letter of
congratulations on Tucson Audubonrsquos60th Anniversary For full text go to
wwwtucsonaudubonorggiffords_60yrletterpdf
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
The Arizona Important Bird Areas(IBA) program at Tucson Audubon hasreceived a modest grant to expandour investigations of bird speciesoccurrence abundance and habitatuse within the BHP Billiton mining companyrsquos- held riparian lands alongthe Lower San Pedro River nearSan Manuel Arizona Our surveyswill cover the spring migration andbreeding season and be particularlyfocused on raptors (notably GrayHawk) kingbirds and the Yellow- billedCuckoo but will document all birdsdetected in our study area (a 14 kmlinear riparian corridor) Initial field
work begins in March with our firstsurvey in midlate April All past orcurrent IBA workshop attendees areencouraged to contact the TAS- IBAoffice to sign up to participate(mileage and hotel costs will becovered) Last yearrsquos report isavailable on- line a wwwazibaorg
We are conducting expanded birdsurveys and new habitat conditiondocumentation in new areas of theGreater SabinoTanque Verdewatershed Based on our findings wemay propose an expansion of theexisting SabinoBear Creeks IBA toencompass more of watershed We
will also be working to have newconservation measures enacted forthese drainages by privatelandowners and Pima County An owl
survey along Tanque Verde Wash onJan 23 2009 found 7 Great HornedOwls in 12 miles Another IBA OwlSurvey March 11 2009 alongTanque Verde Wash is open forparticipant sign- up (limit 8participants) call early to reserve yourspot (628ndash1730) You do not need tobe an IBA volunteer
Lastly we will host an IBARiparian Species ID Workshop forpast or current IBA Workshopattendees that will also be held alongthe San Pedro River in March orearly April Our goal is to sharpencurrent team skills for our surveyefforts in 2009 particularly for thosefolks who can assist our efforts atBHP in San Manuel and thePatagonia Mountains and to assistour partnership with Arizona Game ampFish Department and bird monitoringat riparian plots near our IBAs Checkour website at wwwazibaorg forfinal details or call Scott (628-1730)
IBA surveys focus on Lower San Pedro River and Greater SabinoTanque Verde watershed this springScott Wilbor Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
LEFT
SC
OTT
WIL
BO
R C
ENTE
R L
IZ B
UR
KE
Left and center Within the Lower San Pedro River IBA the extensive BHP Billiton riparian lands near San Manuel Arizona will be further investigated this spring andsummer for their importance to all birds but especially species of conservation concern their habitat associations and key vegetative components of nest areasAudubon and many partners are interested in the future conservation of this special riparian corridor Right Gray Hawk
Unfortunately I have no new picturesof me sitting on a toilet but we are stillmoving in a positive direction towardshaving this bathroom built Check theTucson Audubon website for updateson construction opportunities to see
the construction in progress andvolunteer possibilities Ground-breaking is planned for some time inMarch and we hope it will becompleted in time for theIronwood Jam (see p 4)
Mason Center bathroom updateLia Sansom Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason CenterOutreach Coordinator
Tanque Verde Wash is a conservation focus for the Important Bird Areas Program (part of the greater Sabino IBA region)and the site of continuing owl surveys this spring Off-road vehicles habitat fragmentation non-native vegetation are keythreats impacting this ecosystem
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
SCO
TT W
ILB
OR
By reducing outdoor use of potablewater and creating more shadelandscape designers can help reduceenergy consumption and greenhousegas emissions Tucson Audubon aimsto help the Tucson landscapingcommunity do an even better job ofcreating landscapes that supportwildlife conserve water and reducethe urban heat island effect
Towards this end Tucson Audubonrecently created and taught its firstcourse on creating bird-friendlysustainable landscapes The courseattracted twenty-two people includingmany from the landscape designcommunity
We collaborated with many expertsin our community Greg Cormanhelped design and teach the coursehis company Gardening Insights aBirds amp Business Alliance memberdoes horticultural consulting andlandscape design with emphasis on
native plants and wildlife-friendlylandscapes Other experts includedAnn Audrey Carolyn Campbell DorisEvans Brad Lancaster Carl OlsonJim Verrier and Scott WilborExecutive Director Paul Green and Iwove these expert contributions into acohesive course fabric
Desert Survivors Nursery hosted asession providing an opportunity tolearn about the hundreds of speciesof native plants for sale there
Some key landscape innovationstaught in the course included nativeplant guilds that work for birdsmaintaining healthy insect diversityrainwater harvesting and habitatdesigns for lizards
Important course conceptsincluded integrated designbiodiversity design simplicity andswitching from a scarcity mindset toan abundance mindset the lattergraphically illustrated by Brad
Lancaster We also discussed thehabitat needs of Tucson birds and theimportance of landscape linkages
We are using detailed feedbackfrom the participants to help usimprove the course for its nextinception We are beefing up detailsabout landscape components forwildlife and Saturday sessions willinclude field trips to model Tucsonlandscapes Due to significant interestin the course we will teach it again inSeptember 2009
There is a large potential audienceincluding master gardenersneighborhood associations municipal
planners bird enthusiasts backyarddo-it-yourselfers and many others
To reserve you place for theSeptember 2009 classes pleasecontact Kendall at 206ndash9900 or kkroesen tucsonaudubonorg
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Learning to create homes forbirds in our backyards
Next course planned for September
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
Top The course met at TucsonAudubon and several other locationsParticipants saw a variety ofpresentations on wildlife andlandscaping and visited someimportant field sites
Middle Course participants wereexposed to results of the Tucson BirdCount including that a neighborhoodonly needs to have 10 percent of itsground surface covered by SonoranDesert vegetation in order to supportGambelrsquos Quail Vegetative coverneeds are higher for other speciesbut are still reachable
Bottom One of the class field tripswas to Milagro Cohousing adevelopment on Tucsonrsquos west sidethat employs extensive rainwaterharvesting and graywater use
DO
RIS
EVA
NS
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Tucson Audubon held its firstGala Making a Place forWildlife on the evening ofWednesday February 4 at theglorious Arizona Inn in TucsonBright winter sunlight dimmedas guests arrived for an hourof cocktails and a silentauction in the Flandrau HouseVisitors representing a widespectrum of Tucsonrsquospopulation mingled whilebidding on everything frombinoculars to artwork andbirding trips They also strolledoutside to hear Sr FranciscoGonzalez serenade theassembly with Mexican songsplayed on a Peruvian harp
Around 140 were serveddinner in the elegant TucsonRoom decorated with nativegrasses origami cranes andflowers A spectacular slideshow generously provided bylocal photographers playedthrough the evening a visualreminder of the birds andhabitats that Tucson Audubonseeks to protect TucsonAudubon Vice President MichCoker as emcee for theevening presented lifetimememberships to all pastpresidents and executive
directors on behalf of theBoard of Directors of TucsonAudubon Paul GreenExecutive Director welcomedthe group and spoke aboutcurrent and future projects
Jim Dawson of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museumbegan the program with aHarrisrsquos Hawk free flight Itglided over the heads ofguests delighting one and all
Dr John SchaeferPresident Emeritus of TheUniversity of Arizona and pastPresident of Tucson Audubonpresented anecdotes fromearlier days of our societyKeynote speaker Dr MichaelRosenzweig an evolutionaryecologist at The University ofArizona spoke aboutreconciling the needs ofpeople and wildlife throughurban habitat programs andways that Tucson Audubon andThe University of Arizona couldwork together to benefit birdswildlife and people
Three hours after we beganexcited guests continued totalk in small groups somecollecting their silent auction
winnings To our delight manyreported that this was anextraordinary and fun eventand were already planning tojoin us again next year for our2010 Gala We hope to seeyou there also Watch thisspace for the date
Left to right Dr John Schaefer past President of Tucson Audubon and Ellen Skotheim Tucson Audubon Conservation Chair Chris McVie Arizona Game and FishCommissioner Bob Hernbrod and Joan Cauthorn Keynote speaker Dr Michael Rosenzweig Director of Tumamoc People and Habitats and Carole Rosenzweig
4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
ALL
PH
OTO
S K
END
ALL
KR
OES
EN
Gala soars withHarrisrsquos HawkSandy Elers DevelopmentCommittee Chair
On April 25 1999 Tucson Audubon Society formally dedicatedthe property of William and Orpha Mason as the Mason Centerfor Ironwood Preservation and Environmental Education OnApril 25 2009 Tucson Audubon will celebrate this 10-year
anniversary with a fundraiser called the
IRONWOOD JAMwith WAY OUT WEST bluebhikkucomWayOutWesthtmand THE WAYBACK MACHINE waybackmachinecom
Saturday April 25 2009Starting around 6 PM and going lsquotil the music and dancing stop
$12adult in advance at Tucson Audubon Nature Shops $15 at the gate
Food and drink for sale and bring a chairAll proceeds benefit Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
and its programsFor more information contact Lia Sansom at 971-6238 and check our website for updates
PHIL
PR
ITC
HA
RD
ldquo 60 years later the AudubonSocietyrsquos noble mission is evenmore crucial to the future ofArizona the second fastest growingstate in the nation Your visiondedication and hard work havebeen instrumental in saving fromdevelopment many pricelesshabitats throughout SoutheasternArizonardquo
Right Part of CongresswomanGabrielle Giffordsrsquos letter of
congratulations on Tucson Audubonrsquos60th Anniversary For full text go to
wwwtucsonaudubonorggiffords_60yrletterpdf
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
The Arizona Important Bird Areas(IBA) program at Tucson Audubon hasreceived a modest grant to expandour investigations of bird speciesoccurrence abundance and habitatuse within the BHP Billiton mining companyrsquos- held riparian lands alongthe Lower San Pedro River nearSan Manuel Arizona Our surveyswill cover the spring migration andbreeding season and be particularlyfocused on raptors (notably GrayHawk) kingbirds and the Yellow- billedCuckoo but will document all birdsdetected in our study area (a 14 kmlinear riparian corridor) Initial field
work begins in March with our firstsurvey in midlate April All past orcurrent IBA workshop attendees areencouraged to contact the TAS- IBAoffice to sign up to participate(mileage and hotel costs will becovered) Last yearrsquos report isavailable on- line a wwwazibaorg
We are conducting expanded birdsurveys and new habitat conditiondocumentation in new areas of theGreater SabinoTanque Verdewatershed Based on our findings wemay propose an expansion of theexisting SabinoBear Creeks IBA toencompass more of watershed We
will also be working to have newconservation measures enacted forthese drainages by privatelandowners and Pima County An owl
survey along Tanque Verde Wash onJan 23 2009 found 7 Great HornedOwls in 12 miles Another IBA OwlSurvey March 11 2009 alongTanque Verde Wash is open forparticipant sign- up (limit 8participants) call early to reserve yourspot (628ndash1730) You do not need tobe an IBA volunteer
Lastly we will host an IBARiparian Species ID Workshop forpast or current IBA Workshopattendees that will also be held alongthe San Pedro River in March orearly April Our goal is to sharpencurrent team skills for our surveyefforts in 2009 particularly for thosefolks who can assist our efforts atBHP in San Manuel and thePatagonia Mountains and to assistour partnership with Arizona Game ampFish Department and bird monitoringat riparian plots near our IBAs Checkour website at wwwazibaorg forfinal details or call Scott (628-1730)
IBA surveys focus on Lower San Pedro River and Greater SabinoTanque Verde watershed this springScott Wilbor Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
LEFT
SC
OTT
WIL
BO
R C
ENTE
R L
IZ B
UR
KE
Left and center Within the Lower San Pedro River IBA the extensive BHP Billiton riparian lands near San Manuel Arizona will be further investigated this spring andsummer for their importance to all birds but especially species of conservation concern their habitat associations and key vegetative components of nest areasAudubon and many partners are interested in the future conservation of this special riparian corridor Right Gray Hawk
Unfortunately I have no new picturesof me sitting on a toilet but we are stillmoving in a positive direction towardshaving this bathroom built Check theTucson Audubon website for updateson construction opportunities to see
the construction in progress andvolunteer possibilities Ground-breaking is planned for some time inMarch and we hope it will becompleted in time for theIronwood Jam (see p 4)
Mason Center bathroom updateLia Sansom Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason CenterOutreach Coordinator
Tanque Verde Wash is a conservation focus for the Important Bird Areas Program (part of the greater Sabino IBA region)and the site of continuing owl surveys this spring Off-road vehicles habitat fragmentation non-native vegetation are keythreats impacting this ecosystem
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
SCO
TT W
ILB
OR
By reducing outdoor use of potablewater and creating more shadelandscape designers can help reduceenergy consumption and greenhousegas emissions Tucson Audubon aimsto help the Tucson landscapingcommunity do an even better job ofcreating landscapes that supportwildlife conserve water and reducethe urban heat island effect
Towards this end Tucson Audubonrecently created and taught its firstcourse on creating bird-friendlysustainable landscapes The courseattracted twenty-two people includingmany from the landscape designcommunity
We collaborated with many expertsin our community Greg Cormanhelped design and teach the coursehis company Gardening Insights aBirds amp Business Alliance memberdoes horticultural consulting andlandscape design with emphasis on
native plants and wildlife-friendlylandscapes Other experts includedAnn Audrey Carolyn Campbell DorisEvans Brad Lancaster Carl OlsonJim Verrier and Scott WilborExecutive Director Paul Green and Iwove these expert contributions into acohesive course fabric
Desert Survivors Nursery hosted asession providing an opportunity tolearn about the hundreds of speciesof native plants for sale there
Some key landscape innovationstaught in the course included nativeplant guilds that work for birdsmaintaining healthy insect diversityrainwater harvesting and habitatdesigns for lizards
Important course conceptsincluded integrated designbiodiversity design simplicity andswitching from a scarcity mindset toan abundance mindset the lattergraphically illustrated by Brad
Lancaster We also discussed thehabitat needs of Tucson birds and theimportance of landscape linkages
We are using detailed feedbackfrom the participants to help usimprove the course for its nextinception We are beefing up detailsabout landscape components forwildlife and Saturday sessions willinclude field trips to model Tucsonlandscapes Due to significant interestin the course we will teach it again inSeptember 2009
There is a large potential audienceincluding master gardenersneighborhood associations municipal
planners bird enthusiasts backyarddo-it-yourselfers and many others
To reserve you place for theSeptember 2009 classes pleasecontact Kendall at 206ndash9900 or kkroesen tucsonaudubonorg
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Learning to create homes forbirds in our backyards
Next course planned for September
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
Top The course met at TucsonAudubon and several other locationsParticipants saw a variety ofpresentations on wildlife andlandscaping and visited someimportant field sites
Middle Course participants wereexposed to results of the Tucson BirdCount including that a neighborhoodonly needs to have 10 percent of itsground surface covered by SonoranDesert vegetation in order to supportGambelrsquos Quail Vegetative coverneeds are higher for other speciesbut are still reachable
Bottom One of the class field tripswas to Milagro Cohousing adevelopment on Tucsonrsquos west sidethat employs extensive rainwaterharvesting and graywater use
DO
RIS
EVA
NS
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
The Arizona Important Bird Areas(IBA) program at Tucson Audubon hasreceived a modest grant to expandour investigations of bird speciesoccurrence abundance and habitatuse within the BHP Billiton mining companyrsquos- held riparian lands alongthe Lower San Pedro River nearSan Manuel Arizona Our surveyswill cover the spring migration andbreeding season and be particularlyfocused on raptors (notably GrayHawk) kingbirds and the Yellow- billedCuckoo but will document all birdsdetected in our study area (a 14 kmlinear riparian corridor) Initial field
work begins in March with our firstsurvey in midlate April All past orcurrent IBA workshop attendees areencouraged to contact the TAS- IBAoffice to sign up to participate(mileage and hotel costs will becovered) Last yearrsquos report isavailable on- line a wwwazibaorg
We are conducting expanded birdsurveys and new habitat conditiondocumentation in new areas of theGreater SabinoTanque Verdewatershed Based on our findings wemay propose an expansion of theexisting SabinoBear Creeks IBA toencompass more of watershed We
will also be working to have newconservation measures enacted forthese drainages by privatelandowners and Pima County An owl
survey along Tanque Verde Wash onJan 23 2009 found 7 Great HornedOwls in 12 miles Another IBA OwlSurvey March 11 2009 alongTanque Verde Wash is open forparticipant sign- up (limit 8participants) call early to reserve yourspot (628ndash1730) You do not need tobe an IBA volunteer
Lastly we will host an IBARiparian Species ID Workshop forpast or current IBA Workshopattendees that will also be held alongthe San Pedro River in March orearly April Our goal is to sharpencurrent team skills for our surveyefforts in 2009 particularly for thosefolks who can assist our efforts atBHP in San Manuel and thePatagonia Mountains and to assistour partnership with Arizona Game ampFish Department and bird monitoringat riparian plots near our IBAs Checkour website at wwwazibaorg forfinal details or call Scott (628-1730)
IBA surveys focus on Lower San Pedro River and Greater SabinoTanque Verde watershed this springScott Wilbor Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
LEFT
SC
OTT
WIL
BO
R C
ENTE
R L
IZ B
UR
KE
Left and center Within the Lower San Pedro River IBA the extensive BHP Billiton riparian lands near San Manuel Arizona will be further investigated this spring andsummer for their importance to all birds but especially species of conservation concern their habitat associations and key vegetative components of nest areasAudubon and many partners are interested in the future conservation of this special riparian corridor Right Gray Hawk
Unfortunately I have no new picturesof me sitting on a toilet but we are stillmoving in a positive direction towardshaving this bathroom built Check theTucson Audubon website for updateson construction opportunities to see
the construction in progress andvolunteer possibilities Ground-breaking is planned for some time inMarch and we hope it will becompleted in time for theIronwood Jam (see p 4)
Mason Center bathroom updateLia Sansom Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason CenterOutreach Coordinator
Tanque Verde Wash is a conservation focus for the Important Bird Areas Program (part of the greater Sabino IBA region)and the site of continuing owl surveys this spring Off-road vehicles habitat fragmentation non-native vegetation are keythreats impacting this ecosystem
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
SCO
TT W
ILB
OR
By reducing outdoor use of potablewater and creating more shadelandscape designers can help reduceenergy consumption and greenhousegas emissions Tucson Audubon aimsto help the Tucson landscapingcommunity do an even better job ofcreating landscapes that supportwildlife conserve water and reducethe urban heat island effect
Towards this end Tucson Audubonrecently created and taught its firstcourse on creating bird-friendlysustainable landscapes The courseattracted twenty-two people includingmany from the landscape designcommunity
We collaborated with many expertsin our community Greg Cormanhelped design and teach the coursehis company Gardening Insights aBirds amp Business Alliance memberdoes horticultural consulting andlandscape design with emphasis on
native plants and wildlife-friendlylandscapes Other experts includedAnn Audrey Carolyn Campbell DorisEvans Brad Lancaster Carl OlsonJim Verrier and Scott WilborExecutive Director Paul Green and Iwove these expert contributions into acohesive course fabric
Desert Survivors Nursery hosted asession providing an opportunity tolearn about the hundreds of speciesof native plants for sale there
Some key landscape innovationstaught in the course included nativeplant guilds that work for birdsmaintaining healthy insect diversityrainwater harvesting and habitatdesigns for lizards
Important course conceptsincluded integrated designbiodiversity design simplicity andswitching from a scarcity mindset toan abundance mindset the lattergraphically illustrated by Brad
Lancaster We also discussed thehabitat needs of Tucson birds and theimportance of landscape linkages
We are using detailed feedbackfrom the participants to help usimprove the course for its nextinception We are beefing up detailsabout landscape components forwildlife and Saturday sessions willinclude field trips to model Tucsonlandscapes Due to significant interestin the course we will teach it again inSeptember 2009
There is a large potential audienceincluding master gardenersneighborhood associations municipal
planners bird enthusiasts backyarddo-it-yourselfers and many others
To reserve you place for theSeptember 2009 classes pleasecontact Kendall at 206ndash9900 or kkroesen tucsonaudubonorg
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Learning to create homes forbirds in our backyards
Next course planned for September
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
Top The course met at TucsonAudubon and several other locationsParticipants saw a variety ofpresentations on wildlife andlandscaping and visited someimportant field sites
Middle Course participants wereexposed to results of the Tucson BirdCount including that a neighborhoodonly needs to have 10 percent of itsground surface covered by SonoranDesert vegetation in order to supportGambelrsquos Quail Vegetative coverneeds are higher for other speciesbut are still reachable
Bottom One of the class field tripswas to Milagro Cohousing adevelopment on Tucsonrsquos west sidethat employs extensive rainwaterharvesting and graywater use
DO
RIS
EVA
NS
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
By reducing outdoor use of potablewater and creating more shadelandscape designers can help reduceenergy consumption and greenhousegas emissions Tucson Audubon aimsto help the Tucson landscapingcommunity do an even better job ofcreating landscapes that supportwildlife conserve water and reducethe urban heat island effect
Towards this end Tucson Audubonrecently created and taught its firstcourse on creating bird-friendlysustainable landscapes The courseattracted twenty-two people includingmany from the landscape designcommunity
We collaborated with many expertsin our community Greg Cormanhelped design and teach the coursehis company Gardening Insights aBirds amp Business Alliance memberdoes horticultural consulting andlandscape design with emphasis on
native plants and wildlife-friendlylandscapes Other experts includedAnn Audrey Carolyn Campbell DorisEvans Brad Lancaster Carl OlsonJim Verrier and Scott WilborExecutive Director Paul Green and Iwove these expert contributions into acohesive course fabric
Desert Survivors Nursery hosted asession providing an opportunity tolearn about the hundreds of speciesof native plants for sale there
Some key landscape innovationstaught in the course included nativeplant guilds that work for birdsmaintaining healthy insect diversityrainwater harvesting and habitatdesigns for lizards
Important course conceptsincluded integrated designbiodiversity design simplicity andswitching from a scarcity mindset toan abundance mindset the lattergraphically illustrated by Brad
Lancaster We also discussed thehabitat needs of Tucson birds and theimportance of landscape linkages
We are using detailed feedbackfrom the participants to help usimprove the course for its nextinception We are beefing up detailsabout landscape components forwildlife and Saturday sessions willinclude field trips to model Tucsonlandscapes Due to significant interestin the course we will teach it again inSeptember 2009
There is a large potential audienceincluding master gardenersneighborhood associations municipal
planners bird enthusiasts backyarddo-it-yourselfers and many others
To reserve you place for theSeptember 2009 classes pleasecontact Kendall at 206ndash9900 or kkroesen tucsonaudubonorg
TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Learning to create homes forbirds in our backyards
Next course planned for September
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
Top The course met at TucsonAudubon and several other locationsParticipants saw a variety ofpresentations on wildlife andlandscaping and visited someimportant field sites
Middle Course participants wereexposed to results of the Tucson BirdCount including that a neighborhoodonly needs to have 10 percent of itsground surface covered by SonoranDesert vegetation in order to supportGambelrsquos Quail Vegetative coverneeds are higher for other speciesbut are still reachable
Bottom One of the class field tripswas to Milagro Cohousing adevelopment on Tucsonrsquos west sidethat employs extensive rainwaterharvesting and graywater use
DO
RIS
EVA
NS
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Birders think of southeastArizona as Mecca with 500species seen and 400occurring regularly The TucsonBird Count now hasdocumented over 230 speciesof birds in the greater Tucsonmetro area alone
But did you know cycliststhink of Tucson as a Mecca too Just hang out on the MtLemmon Highway someSaturday morning and watchthe bikers doing training runsup to Summerhaven There aremany local biking clubs andevents like Tour de TucsonMany people are usingbicycles as transportation tolower their costs and reducetheir carbon footprint
Two glorious activitiesbiking and birding Why notput them together Thatrsquos justwhat wersquore doing On FridayApril 10 Tucson Audubon andthe City of TucsonrsquosDepartment of Transportation(DOT) will sponsor an eventthat promotes both cycling andbirding in Tucson Itrsquos part ofDOTrsquos Bike Fest 2009
The event will start at FortLowell Park at 7AM Wersquoll bird
the park and then head westalong the south side of theRillito The stretch of the Rillitolinear park from Craycroft toAlvernon is often quite goodbirding The bicyclepedestriantrail along the Rillito is verywide and easy to rideBeginning birders and bikersare welcome
We will spend the morningriding at a leisurely pace andstopping to watch birdsLeaders will ride back to FtLowell Park with any bikerswho are returning there
For more information contactKendall Kroesen at 206-9900or 971-2385
Cycling for species
Birding by bicycle in Tucson on Friday April 10 2009
Kendall Kroesen Restoration Program Manager
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
4Liz Payne was born inRedwood City California and isnow a Tucson resident workingas a tour coordinator andgraphic artist Liz has been veryactive in Tucson AudubonSociety since joining in 2004Currently on the Board sheserves on many committeesHer involvement includes theInstitute of Desert EcologyBirdathon participant field tripleader and the 60th AnniversaryGala Committee
FOUR QUESTIONSFirst time you went birdingOfficially in 1979Your level of birding IntermediateFavorite place to go birdingAny place Riparian areas forwarblers grasslands for raptorsOther hobbies Dog agilitymusic knitting sharing akitchen with friends to create agreat meal traveling andtropical beaches
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Sergio Avila Kevin Balser Alison Banks Susan Blattner Ken and LindaBriggs Joseph Brinig Joan Butler Maria Call Jerry Daniel Daniel andVirginia Danieu Cynthia Dean Judith DePasquale Carol desCognets LarryDucey Douglas Everett John Farmer Conor Flynn Karen Ford JoanGellatly Mary Grgich Laurens Halsey S JoAnn Hanson Elise HarrisonLarry and Julie Hecker Susan Hill Patricia Hopwood Joan Huber WilliamJohnson Bob King Curtis Keim William Klein John Lamey Gordon LaneBecky Laughlin Matt and Nikole Lewis James and Jane Lombardo LauraLoacutepez-Hoffman Barbara MacDougall Fran McCarty Jeff and Debbie MyersVicki Noell Carol Osborne Maggie Pearson William Pessel Adrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Judith Ramsey D Jeanine Rennier John Reuland and DianeHodiak Marisa Rice John and Dinah Rogers Jim Rowley Rob SabataDiane Salisbury Paula Schlusberg David Schwartz Jerry Shapins JackySollo Eileen Sykora Dean and Sandra Taylor Cosette Thompson CinoyTraylor Elizabeth Urban Shiloh Walkosak Robert and Ruth Zollinger
GIFTS RECEIVED
bull Membership in honor of JohnFarmer from Matt Slakey
bull Membership in honor of Matt andNikole Lewis from Nikki Peters
bull Gift in memory of her motherEvelyn Steevens from Donald andSheila Hamann VF
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
The following names will be submittedfor election to the Board of Directorsat the March 9 2009 meeting of theSociety (Lecture Series) by theNominating CommitteeHerb Trossman President (2nd term)Mich Coker Vice President (2nd term)Richard Fray Director at LargeNeil Markowitz Director at LargeCynthia Pruett Director at LargeAdrian Quijada-Mascarentildeas Directorat Large
2009 nominees forBoard of Directors
Tucson Audubon staff members Lia Sansom and Matt Griffiths enjoyed somebicycle birding recently
FROM A NEW MEMBER
ldquoI visited Tucson recently andfound a brochure in the rack at theEconoLodge That led me to phoneJohn Higgins (Tucson Audubonfield trip leader) and was invited tojoin in an outing to Avra ValleyJohn was a great guide and told usabout the area as well On that one3-hour trip I was able to add fivenew species to my life listincluding a Prairie Falconrdquo
Rob Sabata Bella Vista AR
Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Living With NatureLecture Series
TUCSON
Second Monday of the monthSeptember through April 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium University MedicalCenter (UMC)
March 9 Monday 7 PM
PANAMANIA with Rick WrightPanama may be small covering only30000 square miles at the narrow waist ofCentral America but this slender isthmuslinks two continentsmdash and their birds Withmore than 1000 species occupying anarea slightly smaller than the state ofIndiana Panama makes air- castle dreamscome true for visiting naturalists Thebirderrsquos destination of choice for well overa hundred years Panama was thoroughlyexplored in the nineteenth centuries aspart of the decades- long search for landand sea routes joining the oceans and theresults of those effortsmdash political socialand technologicalmdash continue to influenceecotourism in the New World tropics today
Join Rick Wright Managing Director ofWINGS Birding Tours for an illustratedexploration of the intersections of northand south ocean and forest past andpresent in Panama the tropicaldestination for Tucson AudubonrsquosNovember 2009 member tour
Come early Snacks and refreshmentsbegin at 645 Panama birding books willbe available for purchase We will haveinformation on Tucson Audubonrsquosupcoming Panama Trip
April 13 Monday 7 PM
BIRDING THE TOP END MANGROVESwith Denise Lawungkurr GoodfellowThe Top End of Australia is a uniqueplace both remote and wild Unlike muchof Australia the Top End is a moretropical region boasting beautifulwaterfalls spectacular wetlands andmangrove forests The area has beencontinuously inhabited for 60000 yearsand the Aborigines who live hererepresent one of theoldest currentlypracticing cultures inthe world Wildlife isabundant in the TopEnd More than 330bird species can befound in the area
No person isbetter qualified tospeak aboutbirding the Top End than DeniseLawungkurr Goodfellow author of thedefinitive book on the birds of this areaBirds of Australiarsquos Top End
Denise is a birding guide biologicalconsultant author and now a PhDstudent from the Top End Her interest inall things natural was sparked when as achild an Aboriginal woman introducedher to the Australian bush She is a strongvoice for conservation and also for therights of the indigenous peoples
Denise will be talking with us about theTop Endrsquos birds of course but also themany potential dangers when birding inAustralia including encounteringcrocodiles and snakes She promises ldquoapresentation that includes accurateinformation good pictures humoranecdotes and perhaps some pathosrdquo
Denise will be conducting a focusgroup for her graduate research onAmerican birding couples and would likevolunteers to participate If you areinterested in helping with her researchplease contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorgfor details
We invite you to stay after this lecturefor cake and refreshments to celebrateTucson Audubon Societyrsquos 60thAnniversary
GREEN VALLEY
Third Saturday of the month Octoberthrough March 10 AM
Green Valley Public Library
March 21 Saturday 10 AM
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION withLiberty WildlifeGet up close and personal with somesouthwestern raptors Liberty WildlifeRehabilitation Foundation of Scottsdale anon-profit wildlife hospital will be inGreen Valley to teach us about theeagles hawks falcons and owls of theSonoran Desert first-hand
Anne Peyton one of Libertyrsquosknowledgeable volunteers will talk aboutthe adaptations that raptors have made inorder to survive in this difficult climate
Several live birds will be on display foreveryonersquos education and enjoymentThese may include hawks falcons owlsand maybe even an eagle This is apresentation not to be missed
Anne will also tell us about the workthat Liberty is doing to save injured birdsand other animals Liberty Wildlife wasfounded in 1981 and each year takes inapproximately 4000 injured ill ororphaned native animals treating themand hopefully releasing them back intothe wild
Liberty has helped rescue andrehabilitate countless animals whileeducating thousands of people about theimportance and value of our nativewildlife
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Collared Aracari
GAV
IN B
IEB
ER
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Available in the Nature Shopfor $4995 Includes colorplates species descriptionhighlights of similar speciesstatus and distrubutionmain habitat descriptionand range description
Liberty Wildlife Volunteer Anne Peyton with GreatHorned Owl Hedwig
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Together Green VolunteerRestoration Work DayMarch 14 Saturday 8 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Help with the habitat restoration efforts atEsperanza Ranch (between Amado andTubac) by digging rainwater harvestingbasins planting trees and shrubsremoving invasive plants and picking uptrash Sign up by contacting KendallKroesen at 971-2385 orkkroesentucsonaudubonorg
Cut Your Hair Save the BirdsMarch 22 SundayCoyote Wore Sideburns Hair Salon
Come and have your hair cut by theprofessionals at the Coyote WoreSideburns hair salon on Sunday March22 during the Fourth Avenue SpringStreet Fair The cut will cost you $25 andthe salon will pass on all receipts that dayto Tucson Audubon for our work inconservation education and recreationThe salon is at 630 N 4th Avenue and thecut-a-thon will take place between 11 AM
and 5 PM Haircuts will be on a walk-inbasis Just look for the Tucson Audubonbooth on the street outside The CoyoteWore Sideburns is a member of TucsonAudubonrsquos Birds amp Business AllianceBoth Paul Green and Kendall Kroesensport haircuts from this remarkable salonestablished in 1988 by CarmenGuagliardo and Signe Razzi The Salonhas a fun casual atmosphere and themusic is always good The readers of theTucson Weekly have voted The CoyoteWore Sideburns as one of Best of TucsonSalons for five consecutive years Theytell us they have Aveda color and theyare open 7 days each week
Mason Center Herp DayApril 25 Saturday 9 AMndash 12 NOON
Tucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
Lead by Tucson Audubon Naturaliststhere will be a variety of activities andpresentations live critters (including aGila Monster) and a trail walk ContactLia Sansom at 971-6238 orlsansomtucsonaudubonorg for more information
International Migratory BirdDay at Madera CanyonMay 2 Saturday 9AMndash3PM
Madera Canyon
On Saturday May 2 Tucson Audubon willpartner with Friends of Madera CanyonNational Forest Service and otherconservation organizations to celebrateInternational Migratory bird Day at theWhitehouse Picnic area in MaderaCanyon The dayrsquos events will includebird walks (may begin before 9 AM) andactivities for all ages For moreinformation go to wwwtucsonaudubonorgor wwwfriendsofmaderacanyonorg orcontact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
EVENTS CALENDAR
Through Apr 1 Artist Ruth Canada presentsBirds With Attitude watercolors in the RanchHouse Gallery at Agua Caliente Park Ruth willdonate 20 per cent of all sales to TucsonAudubon For more information call 760-7881Mar 9 Monday 8 AM Living With NatureLecture Tucson Panamania with Rick Wright(details p 8)Mar 11 IBA Tanque Verde Wash Owl Survey(details p 5)Mar 14 Saturday 8 AM Together GreenVolunteer Restoration Work Day at EsperanzaRanch (details left)Mar 14 Saturday 615 PM Celebrating thePhotography of Tom Vezo A Benefit topreserve and protect Madera CanyonSponsored by the Friends of Madera CanyonSpecial Guest David Yetman Host of ldquoTheDesert Speaksrdquo See wwwtucsonaudubonorgVezo_eventpdf for more infoMar 22 Sunday Coyote Wore SideburnsndashTucson Audubon Cut-a-thon (details left)Mar 23 Monday 7 PM Presentation A Tale ofTwo Cities by Paul Green Observations onthe effects o f planning by comparing TucsonArizona with Cambridge England DesertHills Social Center Auditorium 2980 S CaminoDel Sol in Green Valley No chargeMar 28 amp 29 Riparian Family Institute Aweekend event for the entire family focusedon the rich plant and animal life foundstreamside along the San Pedro River Formore information contact Matt Brooks 622-2230 or mbrookstucson audubonorgApr 10 Friday 7 AM Bike Fest 2009mdashFtLowell Park field trip Bird the park and theRillito River by bike (details p 7)Apr 10ndashMay 10 Tucson Audubonrsquos BirdathonPut the ldquofunrdquo back in fundraising Noexperience necessary (details p 14)Apr 15ndashMay 15 Tucson Bird Count(details p 10)Apr 16ndash19 Institute of Desert Ecology Formore information contact Matt Brooks at 622-2230 (details p 10)Apr 25 Saturday 9 AM Mason Center HerpDay (details above left)Apr 25 Saturday 6 PM Ironwood Jam(details p 4)May 2 Saturday 9 AMndash3 PM InternationalMigratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon(details above left)
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9
Volunteers at a TogetherGreen volunteer day inOctober 2008
JAM
ES P
RU
DEN
TE
Flame-colored Tanager
All day ldquocut-a-thonrdquo Sunday March 22to raise funds for Tucson AudubonThe cut will cost you $25 which we
pass on to Tucson Audubon
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Institute of Desert EcologyThursdayndashSaturday April 16ndash19Catalina State Park
With spring around the bend the urge toget out and enjoy our beautiful SonoranDesert becomes strong Throw in somemigrating birds good friends greatteachers and tasty food and you haveyourself the makings of a memorableevent Thoroughly satisfying each ofthese requirements for a good time the39th Annual Institute of Desert Ecologywill be held April 16ndash19 at Catalina StatePark This program brings theenthusiastic teaching of local experts toparticipants from Arizona and beyond
The program focuses on SonoranDesert ecosystems using the dynamicrelationships between plants animalsand the physical elements of the desertto forge a deeper understanding ofdesert landscapes
The fee of $395 ($425 for non-TucsonAudubon members) includes parkentrance fees all meals expertinstruction and camping from 415 to419 The $80 non- refundable depositmust accompany the registration formThe balance is due by March 6 Norefunds will be given for cancellationsafter April 3
For more information or to registerplease visit wwwtucsonaudubonorgeducationidehtm or call Matt Brooks at622-2230 VF
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES
Top A hedgehog cactus blooms in Santa CatalinaState Park Bottom Past IDE participant JonathanShapiro and Matt Brooks examine a skunk skull
At the 2008 Institute wrap-up session Dr Carl Tomoff delivers an eloquent homily that threads together allthat the participants learned during a packed four days
CEC
IL S
CH
WA
LBE
Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation
Environmental Education EventsFor more information about the following walkscontact 615-7855 or eeducationpimagovFeliz Paseos Park Birding Walk (Mar 7 amp Apr 48ndash9 AM) Tucson Mountain Park Birding WalkMar 14 amp Apr 11 8ndash930 AM) Birds of CienagaCreek (Apr 29 645ndash10 AM) Agua Caliente BirdWalk (Every Tuesday inMar amp Apr 8ndash930 AM)
BO
TH P
HO
TOS
SAR
A P
IKE
Volunteer for the 2009Tucson Bird Count
April 15ndashMay 15
The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is anongoing volunteer- based project thatcollects data on the abundances anddistributions of birds in and around theTucson area Since its start in 2001TBC volunteers have surveyed birds atthousands of sites gathering highquality data on birds in urban areasThe TBC consists of two programsthe annual Route Program (April 15ndashMay 15) with survey sites locatedthroughout the Tucson area and thequarterly Park Monitoring Program withsurvey sites concentrated in areas ofspecial interest We need volunteersfor both programs
Uses of TBC data includemonitoring the status of the Tucson- area bird community over time findingthe areas of town and the land usepractices that are succeeding atsustaining native birds andinvestigating the ecology of birds in human- inhabited landscapes Throughinformed land use Tucson can sustaina diverse bird community aiding inconservation of bird species
Who can participate
The TBC is performed by volunteerbirders from the Tucson communityThere are survey sites available allover the city and surrounding areasranging from urban neighborhoods tonational parks To find out more aboutTBC register to participate or viewthe results so farmdash visitwwwtucsonbirdsorg or contactRachel McCaffrey (rachmccemailarizonaedu or 730ndash3218)
RIC
HA
RD
FR
AY
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Northern Beardless- Tyrannuletmdash the
little bird with the big name I think I saw
my first one of these at Cienega Creek
near its nest over the water The cute little
crested head bi- colored bill and buffy
wing- bars made quite an impression but
the crowning memory was this birdrsquos
song The clear whistled peer peerpeer peer notes were different from those
of any other bird Irsquod heard before
The Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet
(Camptostoma imberbe) is the most
northern member of a large tropical
subfamily of flycatchers (Elaeniinae)
These birds donrsquot perch conspicuously
and sally out in a ldquoflycatchingrdquo manner
but sit quietly and glean insects from bark
and foliage Yoursquoll notice that they have
shorter stubbier bills than other tyrant
flycatchers such as kingbirds The latter
have broad flattened bills more adapted
to catching insects on the wing
These birds are fairly common in our
riparian woodlands in summer but only
range into the US in southeast Arizona
the nearby corner of New Mexico plus the
southern tip of Texas Also present in
lowlands in low numbers in winter look
for one to be in Agua Caliente Park in
eastern Tucson then Good summer
places to look are along watered sections
of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Rivers
and Sonoita and Cienega Creeks
After getting acquainted with their
name many beginning birders wondermdash
is there a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet
It turns out there is Very similar but with
brighter wing- bars their ranges overlap
slightly in Costa Rica So wersquove got the
Northern part figured out and Tyrannuletrefers to it being a small tyrant flycatcher
so whatrsquos the scoop about being
beardless
Most flycatchers have what are called
rictal bristles These are spiky feathers
around the bill that were once thought to
aid directing insects into the birdrsquos mouth
or possibly to aid in triggering a bill-
snapping response when the bird
attempts to grab a prey item More recent
ideas are that these bristles protect the
eyes from high- speed collisions with
insects or that movement of the bristles
somehow informs the bird about the
position or movement of prey held in the
bill So called perch- gleaners tyrannulets
seem to have nearly lost their lsquobeardsrsquo
along the evolutionary trail and this
species ended up named ldquobeardlessrdquo as
a result (I guess it sounds better than
rictal- less)
Itrsquos fun to keep an eye out for
tyrannulet nests The female constructs
an elaborate domed globular nest about
the size of a baseball with an entrance
high up on one side Ones Irsquove seen up
close were not flat- bottomed but had
straggling nest- parts hanging downwards
The nest can be from chest height to high
in a tree but is usually between ten and
thirty feet off the ground Often hidden in
old tent- caterpillar nests or snuggled into
a mistletoe clump you might be surprised
to see a decrepit- looking nest suddenly
bustling with activity as an adult brings
groceries to a batch of nestlings
Males do most if not all of the singing
Though the male gives a more- varied
dawn song the most often heard
vocalization is that series of peer notes
given much of the day as a territory-
marker
Once one is familiar with the
tyrannulet identification isnrsquot usually a
problem but initially one should watch out
for immature Verdins which can look
similar Look for the Verdinrsquos short conical
bill and more- rounded head shape
Empidonax flycatchers have a different
look Head- shape wider and flattened
bills and vocalizations help tell them
apart The Tyrannuletrsquos bill is described as
narrow and stubby reminiscent of a tiny
vireorsquos bill
So when April arrives and yoursquore out in
some good riparian habitat listen for
those wonderful peer notes coming from
high up in short trees such as mesquites
Only four and a half inches long yoursquoll
have to look closely for those field
marksmdash that bushy crest buffy wing- bars
short narrow tail and two- toned bill (dark
on top flesh- colored at base on the lower
half) Also look for an indistinct whitish
eyebrow Hopefully yoursquoll soon be
enjoying one of our special avian treats
Good luck VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
many beginning birders wondermdash is there aSouthern BeardlessTyrannuletrdquo
ldquo tyrannulets seem tohave nearly lost theirlsquobeardsrsquo along theevolutionary trailrdquo
GE
OR
GE
WE
ST
WHATrsquoS IN A NAME
Northern Beardless-TyrannuletLARRY LIESE
Available in our Nature Shops Flycatchers ofArizona by Homer HansenThis mini-guide containsstructural illustrations and atable with identification andsound characteristics for26 species of flycatcherskingbirds phoebes and
pewees found in Arizona Extremely intuitive anduser-friendly itrsquos a great field reference foranyone birding in AZ as you will undoubtedly runinto many confusing flycatchers Waterproof andtear resistant $695
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Wintering birds are remaining further
north than in past years Some residents
are moving north and show declining
numbers in Arizona
These findings come from a new
analysis of information from the Christmas
Bird Count (CBC) The science team at
National Audubon has looked at the data
for the last forty years and discovered that
58 percent of 305 widely spread species
that spend their winter on the North
American continent have shifted their
range north some by hundreds of miles
The analysis revealed movement
among species of every type including
more than 70 percent of highly adaptable
forest and feeder birds Only 38 percent
of grassland species mirrored the trend
Audubonrsquos scientists think that this
reflects the constraints of this severely-
depleted habitat Grassland bird species
now face a double threat of habitat loss
and climate adaptation
At least five resident ldquoforest birdsrdquo of
Arizona are shifting their range northward
and hence their total populations in
Arizona (40-year state cumulative
population change) have decreased from
between 49 to 88 These include most
notably Clarkrsquos Nutcracker American
Dipper (rare already) Spotted Towhee
Pygmy Nuthatch and Northern Pygmy-
Owl Northern Flicker (part resident and
part over-wintering migrant) is also
decreasing in Arizona
We see this pattern repeated in New
Mexico where six resident forest species
are decreasing Pygmy Nuthatch Mountain
Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Townsendrsquos Solitaire Clarkrsquos Nutcracker
and Stellerrsquos Jay So we see a pattern of
resident forest birds of the Southwest
mountains shifting north and hence
decreasing in the Southwest overall
Population shifts among individual
species are common they fluctuate and
have many causes However Audubon
scientists say the ongoing trend of
movement by some 177 speciesmdashclosely
correlated to increases in long-term winter
temperaturesmdashreveals an undeniable link
to our changing climate
The findings signal the need for
dramatic policy changes to combat
pervasive ecological disruption
Visit wwwaudubonactionorgcampaign
birdsandclimate for more information
including the full national report
Habitats already under siege from
development energy production
agricultural expansion and other human
uses will require enhanced protection and
restoration to
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Bird Movements RevealClimate Change ThreatPAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
It was in 1949 that a bunch of
birdwatchers from the Tucson Natural
History Society formed Tucson Audubon
Society (Our roots are not in the earlier
Arizona Audubon Society that was born in
1908 and then disappeared) It did not take
us long to get hooked into conservation
In 1959 when development threatened
the valuable Sonoita-Patagonia Creek
Tucson Audubonrsquos birders mobilized to
collect funds to purchase the site In a
true partnership we passed the funds on
to the Nature Conservancy who were
better able to manage the purchase and
the site To this day one of the most
important sites for birds in our state
remains protected
That first act symbolizes the
conservation threats that have faced
Tucson Audubon during our first 60 years
Staggering population growthmdashin Pima
County rising from 139000 to more than
a millionmdashhas put pressure on all our
natural resources This includes the land
habitats water air quality and more upon
which we and birds depend
Our conservation focus gained clarity
as we played a central role in 1998 in
the formation of the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection whose aim has been to
direct development to lands of less
biological significance through the
conservation lands system of the Sonoran
Desert Conservation Plan Coupled with
management for
endangered species natural
resource protection has entered
the mainstream of land use planning in
the Tucson region
Having said that when we come down
Mt Lemmon into Tucsonmdashor drive down
to Nogalesmdashand see the sprawl before
us houses nudging up against public
lands we get a sense of the issues facing
us as more people want their piece of the
open landscape degrading or destroying
it in the process
While issues of land use planning and
natural resource protection will remain
conservation priorities for Tucson
Audubon we also need to recognize the
Beyond 60 Beyond GrowthPAUL GREEN
Birds nowwinteringfarther northshow the needfor a policychange
DORIS EVANS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
sustain bird populations and provide
ecological benefits essential to human
health economic prosperity and quality of
life Habitats are also under threat from
invasive non-native plants and animals
many of which have thrived in a warming
climate in the Southwest (eg bark beetle
giant reed)
We hope that these results will help
attract attention and spark action among
birders including tens of thousands who
contributed to the Christmas Bird Count
data on which these results are based
The 109-year-old CBC provides a unique
insight into North Americarsquos bird
populations Just as Citizen Science is
allowing us to better recognize the
impacts of climate change so citizen
stewardship can help us reduce them VF
additional threat to bird habitats
presented by our changing climate
Climate models for our region all predict
rising winter temperatures and more
intense winter storm events while no one
is quite sure what will happen to the
summer monsoon system Higher
temperatures increase per capita water
demand and decrease supply so we will
need to make a great many more
compromises for birds and other wildlife if
valued habitats are to survive
Climate change is a symptom of high
levels of consumption an issue our
society has to face If we plot levels of
human economic activity (such as GDP)
levels of the side effects of those activities
(such as carbon dioxide production) and
measures of environmental degradation
(such as extinction rates) the lines on the
graph share a pattern a slow rate of
increase between the 1750s and 1950s
followed by exponential growth thereafter
There is a clear correlation between
economic growth and the degradation of
our natural environment
Economists see no limits to growth
ever Yet if you have any biological
training you understand that populations
are limited by those natural resources that
sustain them (such as clean water air
food) Our planetrsquos natural processes
simply cannot sustain continued growth It
has taken us from the beginning of time
until now to reach our current levels of
economic activity side effects and
environmental degradation they could
double in the next 20 years
If we are to sustain our quality of life
and maintain biodiversity our ultimate
goal must be to get beyond limitless
economic growth to a steady state of
human betterment that our planet can
sustain Our biggest challenge in the
future will be to use natural resources no
faster than our planet can replenish them
and not to deposit wastes (such as
carbon dioxide) any faster than our planet
can absorb them Scientists will need to
set the goals and economists will need to
work out how we achieve them We will all
need to encourage innovation to ensure
sustainable extraction and use of our
natural resources
Global-level solutions will require
international cooperation Meanwhile we
can all introduce the principles of
sustainable use of resources and of not
overburdening our planet with our wastes
in our daily lives Tucson Audubon will be
highlighting ideas at our Mason Education
Center We can teach each other and we
can advocate for change in governments
at all levels The future of birds and a
whole lot more depends on that VF
Species 40-year northwardmovement (miles)
Abundance center
40-year Arizona population change
Purple Finch 4330 N -95Fox Sparrow 2868 N -74Pygmy Nuthatch 2655 N -49Spotted Towhee 2150 N -68Northern Flicker 1925 N -68Rough-legged Hawk 1787 N -90Northern Pygmy-Owl 1636 N -62Clarkrsquos Nutcracker 1236 N -88Eastern Bluebird 1145 N -73Common Yellowthroat 1093 S significant increaseBrown Creeper 1038 N -44Golden-crowned Kinglet 873 N -44Black Vulture 519 S significant increaseCactus Wren 499 S 68American Dipper 372 N -72
Above left to right Northern Flicker (Phil Pritchard) Common Yellowthroat (Paul amp Eng-Li Green)Northern Pygmy-Owl (S Isoe) Black Vulture (Alan D Wilsonnaturepicsonlinecom)Source National Audubon Society
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
196970197374
197778198182
198586198990
199394199798
200102200506
Latit
udin
al di
stan
ce m
oved
(mile
s)
Change in center of abundance among305 widespread bird species in North America
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Have you noticed that Tucson
mornings have become a little
louder with bird song That your
hummingbird feeders empty a
little more quickly than last
month Have you seen the birds
that you have not seen for three
or four months
Yes itrsquos the beginning of spring and
more importantly the beginning of the
spring bird migration This is a time of
transition a time when we can see
wintering ducks alongside transient
shorebirds When wintering sparrows sing
in the same fields as kingbirds which will
stay on to breed
Spring is a great time for birding in
southeastern Arizona Birds are
everywhere and the number and diversity
of species is high
All this plus the fact that it is not yet
100 degrees everyday makes it the
perfect time for Birdathon Birdathon is a
uniquely Audubon rite of spring that
involves having fun counting birds and
enjoying our local environment Itrsquos
challenging exhilarating and addictive
How does it work Birders flock
together in teams of two or more and set
out to spot as many bird species as
possible in a given period up to 24
consecutive hours Each team asks
friends family and local businesses to
show their support by making a financial
pledge based on the number of bird
species seen by that team It is similar to
a charity ldquowalkathonrdquo where walkers earn
donations for the number of miles walked
(or the ldquocut-a-thonrdquo featured on page 9)
All of the money raised in this yearrsquos
Birdathon will help Tucson Audubon
continue its Education and Conservation
programs in the face of decreased
resources
Last year we raised more than $20000
through the Tucson Audubon Birdathon
We are looking to raise significantly more
than that this year with your help How
great then that Birdathon is also fun and
educational It gives families the chance to
introduce young people to the experience
and discovery of birds and nature
Friendly competition helps our teams
achieve more Part of the fun of Birdathon
is striving to be the team with the most
species or the team that raised the most
money Thanks to our supporters wersquoll be
able to offer some great prizes at our
ldquoThank You Brunchrdquo most of which wersquoll
raffle To enter the raffle you only need to
have taken part in the Birdathon
We are looking to our members to form
teams of all kinds Low-carbon teams
Teams of grandparents parents and
children School teams Company teams
Gung-ho birder teams All have two things
in common the desire to see birds and
the ability to raise funds
Heres how you and your friends can
participate Get your team together and
think of a clever name ask friends family
and neighbors to support your efforts with
a pledge pick your day get out your
binoculars and go birding You will enjoy
the experience In addition if you cant get
out yourself make a pledge to support a
team and help the Tucson Audubon
Society If you donrsquot like asking friends and
family for money donrsquot worry Wersquoll do it for
you So the only stress is not seeing that
bird you had hoped to see
For more information visit our website
tucsonaudubonorg For specific
questions and help with fundraising ideas
contact Chris Harrison at (520) 629-0757
or charrisontucsonaudubonorg Each
registered team will receive a packet
containing helpful materials for planning
routes and recruiting sponsor VF
SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRDATHON
Fun for You Funds for the BirCHRIS HARRISON | MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Birdathon (burdrsquo ɐ thaumlnrsquo) n 1 TucsonAudubonrsquos largest and most fun annual fundraisingevent 2 An annual month-long birding activitystarting April 10 2009 through May 10 2009 whenbirders form teams and challenge others to seewho can see or hear the most bird species in asingle 24-hour period or who can raise the mostmoney for a great cause 3 An opportunity forbirders of all ages and skill levels to participate in afun and rewarding day of birding 4 A chance foreach of us to help raise money for the TucsonAudubon Programs that we all value so much
Left Birdathoners The Unflappables Right During a Birdathon a House Sparrow is as sought after as anElegant Trogon
Equip yourself and yourteam with essentials for asuccessful Bird- a- thonThese items plus muchmore are available in ourNature ShopsBirds of Arizona Field Guide
This small book fits easily intoa pocket has color photos
and helpful information for any beginning birderlooking to learn more $ 1495The DeLorme Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer is themost detailed road map of the region and canhelp with planning those short cuts needed toget around while counting birds $ 1995
L TO
R S
AR
A P
IKE
EL
AIN
E R
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
M
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
For some reason I got myself too busy
between mid-April and mid- May of last
year to organize a Birdathon that I would
consider worthy As it happens when
I am too busy I unwittingly became
involved with two Birdathon teams both
in a rather ad- hoc (or is it ad- hawk) way
It seemed that I had committed myself to
volunteer for five days at the Institute of
Desert Ecology (IDE) at Catalina State
Park (see page 10) and was a team
leader for an Important Bird Area (IBA)
survey (see page 4) on Tucson Audubonrsquos
conservation easement at Esperanza
Ranch both occurring in the Birdathon
time frame
The first team had decided that a
Birdathon would coincide nicely with our
IBA survey along the upper Santa Cruz
River of the Esperanza easement You
could say we bagged two birds (actually
more) with one stone As this easement is
not open to general birding we had hoped
that we could have an advantage of some
kind But that was not to be This survey
yielded only the usual suspects including
Gray Hawk Swainsonrsquos Hawk Greater
Roadrunner Ladder- backed Woodpecker
and Vermilion Flycatcher As the day was
young when we finished the survey and
we were in the vicinity our little group of
four intrepid birders stopped at Madera
Canyon We added to our day list some of
the best that the canyon has to offer
During our sojourn we added Magnificent
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon Dusky-
capped Flycatcher Hepatic Tanager and
the Flame- colored Tanager After both
stops and consuming about eight hours of
our twenty- four hour allotment we had 74
species Although we did not have time for
more our effort resulted in some very
good observations lots of fun and some
good contributions to Tucson Audubon
The second of the teams was the IDE-
Hawk Eyes now becoming almost as
much an institution as the IDE itself The
team was headed up by Liz Payne also
an IDE volunteer and quickly jelled into
an eager albeit rag- tag group as soon as
a twenty- four hour period was
established As this grouprsquos members all
had commitments to help IDE run
smoothly some of the team dropped in
and out in their own ad- hoc way during
the twenty- four-hour period With all of the
birds being within walking distance of the
Group Campsite at Catalina State Park it
automatically qualified for the new
classification of a low carbon footprint
Birdathon team
If you donrsquot tell the Birdathon
Committee I must admit that we may
have had to embellish the rules just a little
by not having a fixed team membership
The IDE- Hawk Eyes did have a central
core but we graciously accepted any
observations from IDE participants But
as the point is to have fun while raising
contributions for Tucson Audubon we did
not think this little bending of the rules
would matter particularly as we werenrsquot
competitive with the other bloodthirsty low
carbon teams I think the only one
seriously affected was yours truly as I had
pledged a dollar a birdmdash and it was worth
every penny
The IDE- ad- hawk- eyes did quite well
with the observation of yet again 74
species Along with many of Catalina
Parkrsquos usual suspects the list included
Northern Goshawk Zone- tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon Western Screech- Owl
Elf Owl Common Poorwill and a number
of migrating warblers Having said all that
the bird for the day was probably a Gila
Monster
My experiences during last yearrsquos
Birdathon show that success can be had
even when time is limited One can enjoy
a Birdathon at any level So go out there
and establish a team whether it is ad- hoc
or more organized and competitivemdash or
somewhere in between You can even sit
in your easy chair in your own backyard
That would surely qualify you as a low
carbon team Just remember that the
objective is to have fun and raise funds so
that Tucson Audubon can carry out its
mission which includes conservation
education and recreation VF
rds
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Ad- Hawk Birdathons HappenCRAIG MARKEN | VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER
IDE-Hawk Eyes(from left to right)
Craig Marken Jerry Ogden Liz Payne
and Matt Brooks
SAR
A P
IKE
Birdathon 2008
Number of teams 23Number of low or no carbon teams 6Total money raised $24951Average money raised per team $108480Most money raised by any one team$262540Most species seen by any one team 194
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
I chose this title to signify the return of
winged migrants from Mexico Central
and South America (I suppose we could
say ldquoWelcome Primaverardquo but that
sounds more like a pasta dish than
terrible Spanglish) Many of these avian
athletes pass through on their way to
breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains
and elsewhere while some just barely
make it across the border into the United
States (Gray Hawk Broad- billed
Hummingbird Elegant Trogon and Buff-
breasted Flycatcher to name a few)
Sightings from late winter have
included a very rare visitor from Mexico
Short- tailed Hawk in a Tucson
neighborhood near Grant and Wilmot
McCormick Park hosted a Williamsonrsquos
Sapsucker while Ft Lowell Park held a
Northern Parula A big surprise at
Evergreen Cemetery was a Pine
Warbler On the Santa Cruz River a
Blackburnian Warbler put on a show
and an Orchard Oriole continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands Above the dam in
Sabino Canyon a Chestnut- sided
Warbler stayed on
In the Santa Rita Mountains south of
the city several Rufous- capped
Warblers seem to have made a home in
Florida Canyon
In Patagonia a Sinaloa Wren a first
US record remained along Sonoita
Creek west of the Patonsrsquo place at press
time A wintering Elegant Trogon
Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana
Waterthrush were sighted at the east
end of Patagonia Lake State Park a
Rufous- backed Robin was reported
downstream from the lake in the Sonoita
Creek State Natural Area
Check the recorded or online Rare Bird
Alert for more or join the Arizona- New
Mexico birding listserv (BIRDWG05)
For southeast Arizona as in many
parts of the country the months of March
and April see sweeping changes in both
our weather and our birdlife Winter rains
have tapered off and temperatures are on
the rise Curve- billed Crissal and
Bendirersquos thrashers are all singing long
before March arrives and many already
have fledglings So too will other desert
denizens like Verdins and Cactus Wrens
The surest sign of spring for me is when I
begin to hear Lucyrsquos Warblers and Bellrsquos
Vireos singing seemingly everywhere
It is exciting to think about all of these
returning favorites but it also begs the all-
important question where to go birding
If you live in Tucson you may picture
the Santa Cruz River as a concrete- lined
channel holding little more than treated
sewage effluent But just a short drive
south of the city this very same river is
lined with cottonwoods and willowsmdash and
most importantly filled with birds
The portion of the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail between
Tubac and Tumacacori is superb in
March I often arrive early in the morning
at the Bridge Road trailhead in Tubac and
simply explore the trail north and south of
the bridge Lingering winter residents
mingle with early spring migrants The
striking Lark Sparrow is abundant Ash-
throated Flycatchers and Western
Kingbirds arrive five species of swallows
gather above A ground fire has removed
much undergrowth north of the bridge but
mixed flocks containing Bridled Titmouse
and other passerines are still found By
late March you may be lucky enough to
glimpse a migrating Common Black- Hawk
overhead
By mid- April you can basically pull out
a map close your eyes and point Open
your eyes That is probably a good place
to go But seriously I want to take a
moment to highlight an area that is so
close to home yet is overlooked by many
Tucsonans the mighty Santa Catalina
Mountains
These mountains represent the second
largest ldquoSky Islandrdquo range north of the
USMexico border behind only the
Chiricahuas in area Of the Arizona
ldquospecialtiesrdquo only Elegant Trogon and
Sulphur- bellied Flycatcher are absent
Specifically the Catalina Highway always
beckons to me Traversing its 27-mile
length allows you to move through every
ldquolife zonerdquo from Sonoran desert to spruce-
fir forest and birds abound along the way
Good stops include Molino Basin middle
Bear Canyon and Marshall Gulch Bear
Wallow is especially good for Red- faced
Warbler It is quite an experience to move
from Gila Woodpeckers to Yellow- eyed
Juncos in one trip
I hope yoursquoll get out and about to catch
some of the action and appreciate all of
those fine northbound migrants And
since I plan to take my own advice Irsquoll see
you out there VF
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
WHERE TO GO BIRDS TO SEE
ldquoiexclBienvenido SpringrdquoJOHN YERGER | ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
Santa Cruz River south of Tumacacori
JOH
N H
OFF
MA
N
Butterfly Trail Santa Catalina Mountains
KEN
DA
LL K
RO
ESEN
Available from ourNature ShopsTucson Audubonrsquos FindingBirds in SoutheastArizona (2007) is a greatplanning tool and a greatway to help you get tothe birding hotspots inthe area $ 2495
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWSCHRIS MCVIE PAUL GREEN KENDALL KROESEN SCOTT WILBOR CARRIE DEAN
In 1998 dozens of conservation and neighborhood groupsincluding Tucson Audubon Society formed the Coalition forSonoran Desert Protection (Coalition) with the purpose ofdeveloping and implementing the Sonoran Desert ConservationPlan (SDCP)
A major component of the SDCP and the focus of theCoalitionrsquos work is the ldquoPima County Multi- SpeciesConservation Planrdquo (PCMSCP) The PCMSCP seeks to formalizehow Pima County will comply with the Endangered Species Actin the unincorporated area of the County through a variety ofconservation measures targeting both endangered andthreatened species and their habitat
There have been a number of conservation plans adoptedthroughout the nation unfortunately most of these plans havenot resulted in the conservation of endangered and threatenedspecies With few exceptions species have continued to declineunder these approved plans while the regulated communitieshave long- term protection from liability for the impacts tospeciesrsquo habitats
Today in Pima County we have a chance to achievemeasurable conservation by protecting vulnerable species and
important habitat and restoring connectivity between corehabitat areas With the SDCP and PCMSCP we have anopportunity to not only protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystembut create a new threshold for Endangered Species Actcompliance that will benefit communities throughout the countryas they struggle with these same issues
Pima County recently released the Final Draft of the plan it iscurrently scheduled for approval by the Board of Supervisorsand subsequent submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Servicethis spring for review The review will include a formal publiccomment period pursuant to the National Environmental PolicyAct including review of an Environmental Impact Statement
The Coalition is currently drafting comments on the Final Draftto submit to Pima County by the March deadline The Coalitionintends to have a draft to share with our members by the timethis article goes to print and we encourage Tucson AudubonSociety members to review and support our comments
To review the Coalitionrsquos comments and find out how topublicly support them please visit wwwsonorandesertorg Thefull text of the Final Draft MSCP can be found at wwwpimagovcmosdcpMSCPMSCPhtml
Pima County releases final draft of Multi-Species Conservation PlanCarolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Modifications to the eastern half of theSweetwater Wetlands and the streamfeature are on schedule The targetdate for opening the eastern wetlandsponds and the main parking lotremains May 1 2009 The streamfeature has been modified byremoving thick cattail which impededwater flow and created mosquito
habitat In the future visitors will beable to see water flowing in the rock-lined channel as it runs beneath thebridge Some saltbush was clearedalong the stream banks to provideaccess for heavy equipment Staffbelieves that within a few yearsthose areas will re-seed and becomeas thick as ever with saltbush We
have retained the ldquoHidden Pondrdquo in itsnatural state
Tucson Water has scheduled acontrolled burn for Thursday March 5and so we will close the entireWetlands for that day We apologizefor the inconvenience The westernhalf will reopen on Friday in time forthe weekend Vegetation clearing andliner installation in the eastern pondswill commence soon thereafter When
complete the eastern ponds will havethe same open appearance seen byvisitors at the western ponds whichremain open to the public this winter
Tucson Water appreciates thepatience of winter birders who haveused the temporary parking area andentrance gate located 600 feet fartherwest from the closed parking lot onSweetwater Drive
Bruce Prior Tucson Water
Sweetwater Wetlands work on target
BOB MILES USFWS
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CONSERVATION amp EDUCATION NEWS
Light pollution has a deadly effect onbirds and other wildlife
Letrsquos take the first one Millions ofbirds are needlessly killed each yeardue to fatal crashes Artificial lights atnight can create real hazards Themixing of glass and light is a deadlycombination for birds The Fatal LightAwareness Program (flaporg) inToronto has identified over 140different species of birds that havecollided with buildings in their cityalone Their estimates are as high as100 million birds killed every year inNorth America due to collisions
Now on to the second nightmareMigrating birds rely on natural lightand objects like the moon and starsfor navigation Artificial sources whichlight up the sky washing out their roadmap can be fatal Birds may getdisoriented and find themselves milesout over the ocean and becomeexhausted with nowhere to landSplash is not something they can dealwith Outdoor lights should always beturned off when not absolutelyneeded This will help mitigate birddeaths and many other light- inducedwildlife problems not to mentionsaving energy and reducing pollution
The third nightmare has to do withbirdsrsquo food sources Some recentstudies at Michigan State Universityhave concluded that artificial outdoorlights can cause some insects andother creatures to lay eggs onsurfaces that they think are water butare not Populations of insects may besignificantly reduced due to theiroffspring dying on these artificialsurfaces Artificial light reflected fromdark surfaces such as glass plasticsheets cars solar collectors androad surfaces can create ldquoecologicaltrapsrdquo jeopardizing animalpopulations and our fragileecosystem Also outdoor lights actlike a magnet and a drug to manyinsects which would otherwise bemaking productive contributions andprospering We have much to learnabout reducing the human impact onnative species Everyone can help byreviewing their own outdoor lightsThey should be shielded pointeddownward and on only when needed
Joe Frannea Southern ArizonaSection of the International Dark- Sky
Association sa- idaorg
A birdrsquos worst nightmare crash splash no grub
Our cars and our birds theyrsquoreall connectedChristina McVie Conservation Committee Chair
We began our year on an upswing with the Obamaadministration taking immediate and direct steps to improveour environment He directed his administration to moveforward on tougher fuel-efficiency guidelines for the autoindustry in time to cover 2011 model-year cars PresidentObama also directed the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stoppedCalifornia and over a dozen other states from setting theirown stricter limits on auto emissions Fourteen statesrepresenting about 40 percent of the population according toauto industry estimates have already adopted Californiasstandards and they have been under considerationelsewhere too
Passenger vehicles account for 40 percent of Arizonarsquosgreenhouse gas emissions about the same percentage aspower station pollution in Arizona (seewwwazclimatechangegov) The Bush administration issued anear-term proposal last year that would have required newcars and trucks to meet a fleet average of 316 mpg by 2015California meanwhile has battled with auto companies toimpose even stiffer regulations that would force carmakers toachieve a fleet-wide 357 mpg by 2016 and 425 mpg in 2020
If the states are allowed to enforce the standards originallydrafted by California they will reduce greenhouse gaspollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020according to Arizona Public Interest Research Group(wwwarizonapirgorg) As our report on page 12ndash13 revealsour changing climate (much of which is due to human activity)is affecting the distribution patterns of our wintering birds
Will Arizonarsquos new governor Jan Brewer and our statelegislature support the work done by Arizonarsquos Department ofEnvironmental Quality (ADEQ) and former governor JanetNapolitano to ensure our statersquos clean air as we continue togrow After Arizona joined Californiarsquos lawsuit against the EPAlast year both branches of the state legislature voted tooverturn the standards which Napolitano vetoed As we go topress Brewer proposes cuts to ADEQ funding of at least $4million and takes another $18 million in fund transfers tobalance the state budget while another $49 million is slatedto be diverted from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fundadversely impacting wildlife and recreation VF
Hundreds of birds have been seen ldquotrappedrdquo in the light beams of New YorkCityrsquos annual September 11 memorial Tribute in Light
WA
RR
EN T
AN
G
WW
WP
BA
SEC
OM
WTA
NG
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EE
N
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
MARCH
March 3mdashTuesday 6 AM
Patagonia Lake State Park
Wersquoll look for waterbirds
flycatchers gnatcatchers and whatever
else we can find Wersquoll walk a couple of
miles on mostly level but not always
clearly delineated trails Expect mud so
wear appropriate footgear Bring lunch
and park fee or pass We may visit other
sites in Patagonia andor Nogales as well
Meet at the Fryrsquos at Irvington and I-19 at
6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonaldrsquos
(Continental Rd Exit) before 630 AM 140
miles roundtrip Leader Dave Dunford
571-0535 ddunforddakotacomnet
March 7ndash9mdashSaturday- MondaySandia Crest Rosy Finches
Join us for a last run of the season for all
three species of Rosy Finches at Sandia
Crest near Albuquerque NM Wersquoll
carpoolcaravan departing Tucson
Saturday morning arriving in
Albuquerque for dinner Hotel info
available from the leaders Sunday
morning wersquoll work Sandia Crest until we
have our looks at the Rosy Finches (even
if that means coming back the next day)
Plan on a reasonably priced lunch at the
Crest House (or pack a lunch to eat in the
car) Time permitting wersquoll enjoy some of
the arearsquos other birding hotspots Monday
wersquore back to Tucson via a couple of
hours at Bosque del Apache Limited to
12 birders Contact either leader for more
details Contact Vivian after February 1 to
sign up Leaders Vivian MacKinnon 323-
6452 v_mackinnonyahoocom or
Lainie Epstein 720-8976
lainie95usyahoocom
March 10mdashTuesday 6 AM
Cienega Creek
Cienega Creek is a riparian jewel on the
outskirts of Tucson that is little explored
by locals Wersquoll search this fine area for
early spring migrants and resident
species The walk will be 2ndash3 miles
roundtrip Bring water a snack sturdy
shoes and (of course) your binoculars
Back by 1 PM Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at 6 AM
Limited to 12 participants Call or email to
reserve spot Local Leader Matt Brooks
623-2230 mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
March 14mdashSaturday 730 AM
Willow Springs Road
Underbirded upland desert area
northwest of Oracle Junction in Pinal
County Wersquoll travel roads look at washes
and cattle tanks to observe different
species of sparrows and possible
wintering flycatchers bluebirds raptors
etc Wersquoll go into the flanks of Black
Mountain Occasional Chihuahuan
Ravens No rough walking Plan to end
between noon and 1 PM Meeting place is
north side of Bashasrsquo parking lot in
Catalina at northeast corner of
intersection of Oracle Rd and Golder
Ranch Rd About 40 miles roundtrip
Leader Doug Jenness 909-1529
d_jennesshotmailcom
March 17mdashTuesday 630 AM
Anza Trail at Tubac amp
Tumacocari
Wersquoll start by walking the Anza Trail south
from Tubac bridge and then drive to
Tumacacori looking for wintering
sparrows early migrants and hoping for
a repeat of last springrsquos spectacular raptor
passage After a picnic lunch wersquoll bird
some local wetlands Meet at Fryrsquos
parking lot at I-19 amp Irvington at 630 AM
(leader not present) or at the McDonaldrsquos
in Green Valley (Continental exit from I-
19) at 7 AM 90 miles round trip LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPSDARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315
For specific information about a trip
contact the leader of that trip
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip Always wear sturdy shoes a
hat and use sun protection Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself
Always bring your binoculars field
guide and for most trips a scope can
be useful Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks)
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times Trips will leave promptly at the
time given
Carpooling Sites
NW Tucson Ina and Via Pontemdash
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina south side
of Ina
Central Tucson First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave
1frac12 blocks south of University Blvd
Weekdays only
SW Tucson I-19 and Irvingtonmdash
Fryrsquos parking lot
Green Valley I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63mdashMcDonaldrsquos parking lot
NE Tucson Tanque Verde Rd
Catalina HwymdashMcDonaldrsquos
parking lot
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required Check the trip listings for
meetingcarpooling sites You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005 Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalerttucsonaudubonorg
After Your Field Trip
Donrsquot forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books see wonderful nature
items and chat with volunteers
Birders at Cienega CreekMAT
T B
RO
OK
S
DONrsquoT FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
March 21mdashSaturday 8 AM
Sabino Canyon
Wersquoll walk paved roads and trails
to look for typical desert birds as well as
migrants Expect to walk up to 3 miles
and be finished before lunch time USFS
fee area Meet inside the parking lot close
to the entrance booth Leader Darlene
Smyth dsmyth3comcastnet 297-2315
March 24mdashTuesday 5 AM
Lazy J2 Ranch
This is an exploratory trip to an active
cattle ranch that is not ordinarily open to
the public The ranch is located in the
heart of the San Rafael grasslands and
can be expected to have most of the
raptors and grassland birds found
elsewhere in the San Rafael We will also
spend some time in other areas of the
grasslands as time permits There will be
an opportunity to purchase some of the
products of the ranchmdash grass-fed beef
and scenic photographs This trip is
limited to 12 participants in three high-
clearance vehicles Contact the leader to
reserve a place on or after 5 March Bring
lunch 150 miles round trip Leader Jim
Hays jhaysinamecom (preferred) or
203-3489
March 28mdashSaturday 6 AM
Cochise Stronghold and Amerind
Foundation
Combine birding walking history and
spectacular scenery on our morning visit
to Cochise Stronghold Wersquoll bird the
5000rsquo elevation campground (day use
fee) then walk part of the Divide Trail at a
birding pace Oaks junipers sycamores
and cottonwoods host woodpeckers jays
warblers and orioles while the rocky
spires provide habitat for eagles falcons
swifts and wrens After lunch at the
campground wersquoll visit The Amerind
Foundation (archaeology museum) in
Dragoon Wersquoll bird the grounds and
those who wish can visit the museum
itself (fee) Meet on the west side of
Houghton Rd just north of I-10 at
6 AM 140 miles round trip
Leader Barbara Bickel
bicke12bmsncom 322-5857
March 31mdashTuesday 6 AM
New Location Brown Canyon
(north of Ramsey Canyon)
We begin at an old ranch site with a large
pond edged by big trees which is
attractive to spring migrants Next we
check a different pond in mesquite
grassland which is attractive to breeding
resident species Then we move up the
creek into Brown Canyon proper in typical
oak woodland on a trail that makes a big
loop with a stop overlooking a spring
before returning to the ranch in time for a
late lunch Limit 12 people Contact
leader starting March 1 Meet at
Houghton RdI-10 at 6 AM (leader not
present) group to meet leader in Sierra
Vista (details upon reservation) 180 miles
roundtrip Leader Erika Wilson
terika88coxnet 225-0393 (Tucson) or
234-4359 (Sierra Vista)
APRIL
April 4mdashSaturday 7 AM
Childrenrsquos Trip at Sabino
Creek
Come out and have fun learning about
nature with your child Children between
the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome with an
adult (parent or friend) We will hike to
Sabino Creek and do some wading and
splashing then look for insects lizards
and other fun animals and plants You can
expect about 2 miles of walking so bring
good walking shoes Extra wet shoes
would be useful for creek wading
Magnifying glasses and binoculars are
helpful also Bring drinking water The trip
is limited to the first eight children to sign
up At least one responsible adult from
each family has to attend LeaderAnthony Mendoza 219-0366
April 7mdashTuesday 7 to 9 PM
Star Party
Come for any or all of it End of
Campbell about a mile north of Campbell
and Skyline Park on the west side We
will see the last of the bright stars of
winter under a nearly full moon Saturnrsquos
rings are edge- on this year something
that wonrsquot occur again until 2024 A
telescope will be available to view this
splendid sight Leader Mike Smith
mssqcomcastnet
April 10mdashFriday 7 AM
Fort Lowell Park and Rillito by
Bicycle
Meet at Fort Lowell Park (lot off of
Craycroft) and bird the park and the Rillito
by bicycle Get exercise and help
introduce Tucson cyclists to birding Wersquoll
ride at a leisurely pace and stop for birds
Finished by noon or earlier Tucsonrsquos
Department of Transportation is
cosponsor Call to sign up LeaderKendall Kroesen 971-2385 or
kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 11mdashSaturday 530 AM
Esperanza Ranch
Visit 300 acres along the upper
Santa Cruz River (between Tubac and
Amado) being conserved and restored by
Tucson Audubon Look for Gray Hawks
Rufous- winged Sparrows and spring
migrants Requires 2ndash3 miles walking on
uneven ground Limit of 14 birdersmdash call
leader to sign up starting March 15 Meet
for 530 AM departure at the Fryrsquos on
Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6 AM at the
McDonaldrsquos on Continental Road in
Green Valley just west of I-19 90 miles
roundtrip Leader Kendall Kroesen 971-
2385 kkroesentucsonaudubonorg
April 13mdashMonday 2 PM
Pyle Higher and Deeper
The exemplary detail and clarity of the
best field guides have raised the bar of
birderly sophistication Those who have
incorporated the wealth of information in
Big Sibley and National Geographic are
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBONFIELD TRIPS
Cochise StrongholdMAT
T G
RIF
FITH
SSabino CreekK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
moving to the ldquonext generationrdquo Peter
Pylersquos Identification Guide to NorthAmerican Birds a treasure trove for those
who take the time to learn how to use it
An introduction to this gold- standard of
identification resources will be followed by
practice in identifying aging and sexing
museum specimens emphasizing
characters usable in the field Registration
required Leader Rick Wright
birdingbirdazcom
April 14mdashTuesday eveningMt Lemmon Owl Prowl
There are six regular owl species on Mt
Lemmon Western Screech Whiskered
Screech Elf Northern Pygmy
Flamulated and Great Horned We will try
to locate them all Bring a good light and
suitable clothing for warmth Meet for
carpooling at the McDonaldrsquos at Tanque
Verde and Catalina Highway You must
sign up with the leader starting April 5 to
learn further details Trip is limited to 12
people and should last from 3 to 5 hours
Leader Richard Messenger 773-818-
6248 vagabondbirderyahoocom
April 18mdashSaturday 6 AM
Willcox and Chiricahua
Mountains
For birders with an open check box next
to their lifer Mexican Chickadee Tucson
Audubon offers a field trip to the west side
of the Chiricahua Mountains to earn your
first look Wersquoll stop at Willcox to check on
waterbirds both coming and going Meet
at the Houghton and I-10 carpool spot at
6 am Carpooling in high clearance
vehicles recommended Remember
water food and sunscreen Wersquoll try to be
back by 2 PM About 240 miles roundtrip
Leader Clifford A Cathers
AZCliffyqcom 762-3201
April 21mdashTuesday 730 AM
Honeybee Canyon
Take a leisurely walk with some fellow
birders into Honeybee Canyon in Oro
Valley Hopefully we will see the resident
nesting owl and its young before they
fledge along with many of the common
desert birds If time permits we may walk
the power line trail nearby for the
possibility of some Harrisrsquos Hawks
and other raptors Local Leader Dick
Sauer sweetsauersyahoocom
April 25mdashSaturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural
Area Rio Rico
In the morning wersquoll hike the Sonoita
Creek trail from Rio Rico to just beyond
the main campsite (a favorite Green
Kingfisher haunt on their rare visits)mdash
almost 7 miles in totalmdash looking for
migrants and regional specialties After a
picnic lunch at Rio Rico wersquoll bird some
roadside stops along the Santa Cruz
corridor on the drive back Limited to 11
participants because of permit
restrictions Contact Michael to sign up
120 miles round trip from Tucson LeaderMichael Marsden 269-6240
birdanzacoxnet
April 28mdashTuesday 530 AM
Kitt Peak Area
This lsquoSky Islandrsquo trip will focus on finding
Crested Caracara Bendirersquos Thrasher
Ash- throated Flycatcher and Rufous-
winged Sparrows as well as expected
species at higher elevations such as
Band- tailed Pigeon etc Some late-
blooming desert flowers may still be found
(a bonus) Wersquoll walk along roads and
trails Bring a scope if you have one Meet
at 530 AM at the Fryrsquos parking lot at I-19
and Irvington to carpool Round trip
distance is ~90 miles with a mid- afternoon
return Leader Clait Braun 529-4614
sg- wtpjunocom VF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
TUCSON AREA BIRDINGBuenos Aires NWR Tucson Audubon bird walkat Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AMNovember through April whatever the weatherMeet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk ofapproximately 2 miles You can expect to see 30to 50 species depending on the season Tocarpool from Continental Shopping Center inGreen Valley to Arivaca Cienega and for moreinformation call Bob Rolfson at 399-2873
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P DrachmanAgua Caliente Park Every Tuesday PimaCounty guided bird walks for beginners andfamilies Binoculars available Meet at theRanch House For information and times call615-7855 or contact eeducationpimagov
Catalina State Park Bird walks led by DenisWright on Fridays 730ndash10 AM at the first picnicarea Time will change in 30-minute incrementsas weatherlight conditions require Open daily5 AMndash10 PM Fee Call 628-5798 for information
Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikesParking fee Call 749-8700
Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East)or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks
Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 830 AMMonday Wednesday amp Saturday Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily Entrance fee Call 742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 830 AMndash430 PM Entrance fee Call 326-9686
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks Birding and other walkswwwprstateazus Fee Call 602-542-4174
Buenos Aires NWR The refuge is open 24hours a day and visitor center open 730 AMndash4 PM seven days a week Call 823-4251
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Open 8 AMndash5 PM daily (last admissions 1 hour beforeclosing) Call 689-2811 Visit agarizonaeduBTA events birdwalkshtml for bird sightings
Ramsey Canyon Open every day 8 AMndash5 PMFee Call 378-2785
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Tours ofbirding sites available Fee Call 432-1388 orvisit wwwsaboorgFort Lowell ParkK
EN
DA
LL K
RO
ES
EN
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANYwwwadventurebirdingcominfoadventurebirdingcom 495-0229San Blas Mangrove Estuaries Coffee FincasPalm Forests and More Dec 12ndash20 2009 $1990Leader Keith Kamper The coastal fishing village ofSan Blas is one of the premier birding destinationsin Mexico Wersquoll visit mangrove estuaries coffeefincas beaches and coastal lagoons 25 Mexicanendemics possible including San Blas JaysRufousnecked Wood- rail Cinnamon Hummingbirdand Golden Vireo Jungle boat tour with oddities like Boat- billed Heron and Northern Potoo eveniguanas and crocodiles We will be based at onemotel throughout so we can unpack unwind andenjoy the regionrsquos natural and cultural history freshmariscos and green flash sunsetsSoutheast Arizona in Winter Raptors CranesSparrows and Thrashers January 17ndash24 2010$1590 Leaders Keith Kamper co- leader TBASoutheast Arizona is popular during peakmigration but winter birding is our best- kept secretArizona is blessed with many habitats deserts andgrasslands lush riparian corridors and ldquoSkyIslandsrdquo Birders can expect exceptional aviandiversity and hope for vagrants from MexicoSandhill Cranes raptors sparrows and otherwinter visitors abound Many residents like Crissaland Bendirersquos Thrashers burst into full songmarking the transition to early spring Pleasantweather and impressive birding makes southeastArizona in winter a ldquomustrdquo for discerning birders
ANDEAN ADVENTURESSally Johnsen 399-4050 empidonaxnetzeronetMoez Ali 820-3499 moezali15hotmailcomEcuadorrsquos Andesmdash The Northwest andNortheast Slopes Mar 23-Apr 4 Jun 1ndash13 Oct12ndash24 and Dec 27-Jan 8 2009 $1595 from QuitoActive birding adventure filled with mixed flocks ofcolorful tanagers hummingbirds toucansantpittas manakins and barbets amid superbmontane scenery Over 450 species in thenorthwest cloud forest of the endemic- rich Choco bio- region including a spectacular Cock- of- the- Rock lek White- faced Nunbird and Toucan BarbetThe paramo over 14000 feet yields AndeanCondor Rufous- bellied Seedsnipe and GiantConebill and prime temperate and subtropicalforest on the northeast slope hold scores ofdazzling hummers like Sword- billed Hummingbirdand the very famous Mystery Owlmdash an as- of- yetundetermined speciesAmazon Extensionmdash Rainforests and Rivers 5days $800 from Quito after Andes tour
BORDERLAND TOURSwwwborderland- tourscomrtaylor borderland- tourscom 882ndash7650 fromTucson or toll- free at 800ndash525ndash7753
Costa Rica amp Deep Costa Rica July 1ndash13 $3595and July 13ndash25 $3795 Leaders Carlos Gomez ampChris Sharpe Explore Costa Ricarsquos scenic networkof parks and preserves from lowland rain forest toparamo Both tours visit Costa Ricarsquos most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal The first tour alsovisits La Selva Carara and Monteverde Parks Thesecond tour swings south toward the Panamaborder and also visits Tortuguero where we havegood chances to witness huge Green Sea Turtleshauling up on the beach to lay eggs King VultureScarlet Macaw Blue Cotinga Three- wattledBellbird a rainbow of hummingbirds and a dazzlingarray of tanagers await 300ndash350 species of birdsplus a good variety of reptiles and mammalsBrazil Of Harpy Eagles amp Jaguars and IguazuExtension September 1ndash15 and September 15ndash18 $6595 amp $2095 or $8590 for both Brazil offersmore endemic species of birds than any othercountry as well as the best chance for the NewWorldrsquos most impressive raptor Harpy Eagle andits greatest feline Jaguar In western Brazil wersquollvisit a ranch where Harpy Eagles have held aterritory since 1998 In the worldrsquos largestfreshwater wetland the Pantanal we are almostguaranteed to see the largest member of the parrotclan Hyacinth Macaw And Jaguarsmdash boating thewaterways here frequently permits the closestapproach to these big cats The tour extensioncombines great birding with the raw spectacle ofIguazu Falls with three nights at a hotel overlookingthe broken mile- long crescent of water plummeting230 feet over the falls Just two spaces left
NATURALIST JOURNEYSwwwnaturalistjourneyscomToll- free (866) 900ndash1146 or 558-1146infonaturalistjourneyscomBirding the Blue Ridge Mountains June 8ndash14Join us to explore quintessential Appalachiaancient mountains and thick forests threaded withstreams rivers and waterfalls The Blue RidgeParkway provides important habitat for a diversearray of plants and animals With elevationsranging from 875 to over 6000 feet the parkwayencompasses habitats for species typically seen inthe South or lowlands in the East as well asspecies common in the mid- Atlantic area and NewEngland Enjoy lovely mountain lodges and greatdining as we sample local cuisine Wersquore likely tosee colorful species such as Eastern BluebirdsPileated Woodpeckers Rose- breasted GrosbeaksOrchard Orioles Wood Ducks and Indigo BuntingsWith luck and some persistence we should find theelusive Cerulean Warbler Wezil Walraven willguide this yearrsquos journey 3 nights Pisgah Inn 2nights Mill Creek Inn Black Mtn NC 1 nightHoliday Inn Express Ashville $2150 from AshvilleNC Single Supplement $ 445Extraordinary Alaska August 17ndash29 In a worldwhere the treasures of wildlife and wild places aredwindling Alaska remains a wilderness jewel The
grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip wealso focus on history and finding wildlife Augustoffers a display of late- blooming wildflowers ripeabundant berry crops and brilliant color that startsto decorate the tundra Itrsquos the best time to seeGrizzly Bears and Caribou in Denali Our journeyincludes three nights at North Face Lodge inDenali a highlight of the trip for many In additionwe visit Seward for a boat trip into the Gulf ofAlaska in search of whales and puffins In Nomewe explore a wild and beautiful landscape close tothe Arctic Circle accessed only by air or sea Wecan stuff ourselves on ripe blueberries and searchfor migrant waterfowl such as five species of loons1 night Copper Whale Anchorage 2 nights RiversEdge Fairbanks 2 nights Holiday Inn Seward 3nights North Face Lodge Denali National Park 4nights Aurora Inn Nome $4990 to Anchoragefrom Nome Single Supplement $ 575
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURSwwwrockjumpercozainforockjumpercoza orrockjumperbirdingyahoocomPerumdash Classic Peru and Northern Peru withMarantildeon Endemics Classic Oct 1ndash19 (19 days)and Northern Oct 19-Nov 1 (14 days) Do thesetours as a combination or on their own On theClassic Peru you will enjoy birding a land of starkcontrast and beauty from the snow- capped Andesand the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to themighty Amazon basin On this tour you will be privyto a showy selection of South American specieslike Andean Cock- of- the- Rock Razor- billedCurassow and Agami Heron On the Northern tourwe search for highly sought- after endemics andtake in spectacular scenery and a vibrant localculture We explore dry deciduous forest coastaldesert cloud forest and the unique Marantildeonsearching for White- winged Guan beautifulMarantildeon Crescent- chest and the incredibleMarvelous Spatuletail Peru is a country like noother Cost Classic Perumdash US$4995 pp US$900ss Northernmdash US$3700 pp US$400 ssBrazilmdash Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal Sept1ndash13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension Sept13ndash19 (7 days) Brazil is one of the most bio- diverse countries of the world a dream destinationfor any naturalistmdash and especially so for birdersDuring this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanaland the verdant Amazon rainforest replete with adiversity of avifauna rivaled nowhere else on ourplanet plus an extension to the endemic- richAtlantic forests of Intervales State Park Potentialhighlights on this tour include Hyacinth MacawHelmeted Manakin the fabulous Jaguar (no- whereelse easier to observe than here) gaudy SpangledCotinga and ever- lethargic Sloths For thosewishing to maximize their time the extension toIntervales offers amazing highlights like Swallow- tailed Cotinga and Long- trained Nightjar amongmany others Join us for an unbeatable tour to oneof the worldrsquos most incredible wildlife destinationsCost Main tourmdash US$4500 pp US$320 ss and Extensionmdash US$1995 pp US$170 ss
BIRDING TRAVELFROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
TROPICAL BIRDINGwwwtropicalbirdingcomToll free (800)348ndash5941 bull infotropicalbirdingcomBeidaihe China The Asian Migrant HotspotMay 8mdash17 2009 $2400 per person Beidaihe isthe Asian equivalent of High Island and the birdingduring spring migration is just out- of- this- worldWersquoll hit all the known migrant traps and also visitthe Great Wall which we like to think of as one ofthe oldest canopy platforms in the world This shorttrip on its own is an easy introduction to the birdsof the Far East and it can also be combined withour tour to Sichuan in central China We also offera one- day cultural extension to see some of thekey sites of BeijingGalapagos Endemics Cruise July 23-August 1 ampNovember 19ndash28 2009 $4500 per person Wehave specially chartered a comfortable 16-passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birdsand the other unique wildlife and we have achance to see every endemic species of thearchipelago This is a great tour for both birdersand naturalists alike and offers outstandingopportunities for photography You can easilycombine this trip with some birding on mainland Ecuadormdash ask us for more details
TYRANNO TOURSmdash KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURESwwwtyrannotourscom577-6546 tyrannotourscomcastnetBirdsmdash Looking and Learning in the CoolerWhite Mountains Based at rustic Tal- Wi- Wi Lodgein Alpine AZ May 21ndash25 (Memorial Day weekend)$795person double $995 single Popular birdguide and educator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead us to some local birding hot spots and insome of her noted bird educational classesThe Canyonmdash North Rim Grandeur Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single Wersquoll base incharming western cabins at majestic GrandCanyon Lodge Scenic sunrises and sunsets rim-
top mule ride ranger talks Grand Canyon cookoutPipe Spring NM Leersquos Ferry Navajo BridgeCameron Trading Post Maybe Toroweep
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS INCwwwventbirdcom(800) 328-8368 bull victorventbirdcom
WINGSwingsbirdscom bull wingsbirdscomblogwingswingsbirdscom 320-9868Oregon May 16ndash27 2009 about $3210 LeaderRich Hoyer Oregon west of the Cascades is aland of ancient forests and picturesque coastlinesteeming with waterbirds The habitats changeradically to the south and east where themountainsrsquo ldquorain shadowrdquo creates dry forests desert- like shrub- steppe and stark canyons Thisdramatic meeting of climates and landforms givesOregon astonishing avian diversity especially inwoodpeckers and owls Wersquoll explore the coast theWillamette Valley and the eastern deserts in oursearch for such specialties as Mountain QuailTufted Puffin and White- headed WoodpeckerComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscomTanzania May 28-June 13 2009 about $7520Leader Brian Finch Tanzania features a finevariety of habitats including almost the entirety ofthe Eastern Arc Mountains Africarsquos most importantbiodiversity hotspot Among the tremendousdiversity of Tanzaniarsquos birds wersquoll pay specialattention to those found nowhere else in the worldbut the Eastern Arc region past tours have talliedtwo dozen or more endemics plus an impressivenumber of range- restricted mammals lizardsfrogs and butterflies The abundance of readilyobserved wildlife and the friendliness of theTanzanian people make this a spectacularintroduction to the wonders of East AfricaComplete itineraries and bird lists at wingsbirdscom VF
Tucson Audubon thanks ourBirds amp Business AllianceMembers who have showntheir support for birdconservation through annualcontributions and in-kinddonations Please show themyou appreciate their support forus by supporting them Pleasechoose these progressive companieswhen you need a service
STERLING Adventure Birding Company bull 520-495-0229bull wwwadventurebirdingcomBorderland Tours bull 1-800-525-7753bull wwwborderland-tourscomNaturalist Journeys bull 1-866-900-1146bull wwwnaturalistjourneyscomRockJumper Birding Toursbull wwwrockjumpercozaTropical Birding bull 1-800-348-5941bull wwwtropicalbirdingcom TyrannoTours bull 520-577-6546bull wwwtyrannotourscom Victor Emanuel Nature Tours bull 1-800-328-VENT bull wwwventbirdscom WINGS bull 1-888-293-6443 bull wwwwingsbirdscom
SILVER The Oasis at Way Out West bull 520-825-4590bull wwwwowarizonacomSnell amp Wilmer bull wwwswlawcomTucson Electric Power bull wwwtepcom
COPPER Bed amp Bagels of Tucson bull 520-760-5595Buffalo Exchange bull 520-795-0508Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo NM bull 1-877-577-2275The Coyote Wore Sideburns bull 520-623-7341Down By the River BampB bull 520-720-9441Kimberlyn Drew Realtor bull 520-237-1408Economy Birding Service bull 520-762-3201Fiore Tile Works bull 520-971-0677Galaria La Sirena bull 520-319-1262Greenfire Ecological Landscaping bull 520-429-7306 Heartstone Mountain Ranch bull 1-877-562-2955 Hughes Federal Credit Union bull 520-794-8341Daniel McQuestion Artist P2 Preparedness bull 520-971-5971 Lori Pascarella Financial Consultant bull 520-747-6167Rancho De La Osa bull 1-800-872-6240Riverpark Inn bull 1-800-551-1466 Spirit Tree Inn BampB bull 520-394-0121VIP Taxi bull 520-798-1111Wild Birds Unlimited bull 520-878-9585For more information about our Birds amp BusinessAlliance members including links to their websitesvisit wwwtucsonaudubonorg
New member
Go Birding in PanamaWith Tucson Audubon and WINGSNovember 13ndash21 2009 bull Stay in Canopy TowerLeader Gavin Bieber with Kendall KroesenContact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrisontucsonaudubonorg
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
CASA ADOBE BED amp BREAKFASTCasa Adobe is a new birder-friendly BampB inRodeo New Mexico Nestled between theChiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 milesnorth of Douglas AZ Rodeo is on the NewMexico Birding Trails system and is nine milesfrom Portal AZ and the Cave Creek Canyonbirding areas Casa Adobe is a onebedroombath private hacienda with kitchenliving room lanudry and three patios A curvingperimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining aquiet restful space for birding or relaxing and
soaking in the views A number of feeders andwater baths decorate the property to attract adiversity of birdsRates include breakfast in yourhacienda or at one of several nearby cafeswithin easy walking or driving distance Outdooractivities are moments from Casa Adobeincluding day hiking extended trekkinghorseback riding mountain biking jogginglandscapewildlife photography and moreBecause Rodeo is far from population centersnight skies are exceptionally dark facilitatingserious astronomical observations When you
plan your next outdoor adventure considerstaying at Casa Adobe BampB in Rodeo Yoursquoll findyour stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled withpossibilities For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit wwwCasaAdobenet
FIORE TILE WORKSFiore Tile Works has been depicting the SonoranDesert in its large format display pieces sincemoving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005Working in high-fired ceramic artist DavidMcMahonrsquos bas relief sculptures capture
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWERCOMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSTEP collaborates with community organizationsto balance the demands of a growing populationwith conserving the Sonoran Desert Ourportfolio of environmental partnerships andcommitment to conservation has diversified andstrengthened with time
The Raptor Protection Program aninnovative partnership with the University ofArizona the Arizona Game and Fish Department(AZGFD) and others is now a nationallyrecognized model seeking to protect raptorsfrom fatal encounters with electrical equipment
TEP sends its customers quarterlyenvironmental billing inserts focused on thedangers of feeding wildlife and of buffelgrassand the importance of protecting desert tortoisesand reporting raptor nest sites
Our H Wilson Sundt Generating Station hasbeen home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since2005 following a call for help from AZGFD ourvolunteers built nest sites for owls displaced bydevelopment in Maricopa County The stationalso partners with Civano Nursery producingabout 500 cubic yards of organic compost eachweek for eight months each year TEP providesthe nursery with land electricity run- off waterfrom the power plant and 420 tons of greenwaste from power line corridors The compostyard also serves as a temporary home for treessalvaged from construction sites This is oneexample of how TEP is committed to reducingwaste through innovative recycling efforts
Our support for Trees for Tucson has led tothe planting of more than 53500 trees Theprogram enables residents in TEPrsquos service areato purchase up to two drought- resistant five- gallon trees for $6 each By providing shadethese trees help reduce energy consumption inhomes and businesses and make Tucson amore beautiful place They also absorb carbondioxide provide habitat for wildlife and reducesoil erosion from storm water runoff and wind In
October 2007 TEP managed a community- wideMake a Difference Day project to plant 1015trees in neighborhoods schools and parks Thisnationally recognized day of service publicizedthe importance of planting native treesgalvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raisedmore than $50000 in contributions for Habitatfor Humanity neighborhoods and parks
TEP recycles metals from its equipment andoil removed from its generation and distributionequipment whenever possible Our parentcompany UniSource Energy Corporation hassponsored the Nature Conservancyrsquos statewide eco- planning for more than a decade
Our contributions to environmentalorganizations and educational programs havetotaled nearly one million dollars in the last fiveyears In the last few months we have expandedour incentives for adopting renewabletechnology including the solar panels that canbe seen at the Reid Park Zoorsquos newEnvironmental Learning Center which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification
TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions toaddress the opportunities and challenges andwe face in our community including greenenergy charitable organization support energyefficiency and economic development Pleasevisit wwwtepcom to learn more about ourprograms Together we make a powerfuldifference in our communitiesrsquo well- being
Sharon FoltzTEP Community Relations Director
THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WESTAt Way Out West youre immersed in natureOffering lodging since 1998 in a bed amp breakfastfashion wersquore twenty miles north of Tucson ona three-acre private nature preserve Warmhospitality spectacular views and abundantwildlife welcome you to our home Windingthrough the gardens stroll our home trails andhabitat restoration areas or you can hike intothe Santa Catalinas Our bird population is richand varied with the lsquoHouse Life Listrsquo at 135
ldquohellipimposing mountains form a superlativebackdrop for one of Tucsons finesthummingbird and butterfly gardenshellipRufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit birdfeedersrdquo Dr Dale A ZimmermanldquoYou are fountains of information about thenatural worldrdquo Nancy Zierenberg ArizonaNative Plant Societyldquohellipthis place is amazing one of the bestbutterfly gardens in Tucsonrdquo Jim BrocklsquoButterfly ManrsquoFacilitating your natural experience is our
goal however we do offer free Wi-Fi hot tubsbilliards and Home-Theatre for lsquoapresrsquo birdingpleasure Visit our site at wowarizonacom foron-site photos reviews and rate informationThe Oasis at Way Out West is located at5494 East Edwin Road Tucson AZ 85739825-4590 bull wwwwowarizonacom
SIL
VE
RC
OP
PE
R
TEP at the Ironwood Festival inTucson Audubonrsquos Mason Center
CJ
VIN
CEN
T W
AY O
UT
WES
T W
OW
AZ
CO
M
Lincolnrsquos Sparrow
Please welcome our newest Birds amp Business Alliance Members
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
Support Tucson AudubonBecome a Friend Today
MEMBERSHIP$30yearmdash Individual$20yearmdash Student$45yearmdash Family$20 yearmdash Senior (62+)
Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone
New membershipRenewing membershipPlease email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issuesPlease do not share my contact informationPlease do not mail me VermilionFlycatcher Irsquoll read it online
DONATIONI would like to support Tucson AudubonSociety with an additional contribution of
$25 $50 $100 $ 250Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer Monthly
Donor Program I authorize the charge of$____ per month for ____ months to mycredit card ($10month minimum)Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax- deductiblegift for its environmental educational and recreational programs
METHOD OF PAYMENTCheck (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)MasterCard Visa AMEX
Credit Card No
Expiration Date Amount $
Signature
Please send your application with payment toTucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd 120 Tucson AZ 85705
(Attn Jean Barchman Membership Coordinator)
OR join renew or donate online atwwwtucsonaudubonorg
BIRDSmdashLooking and Learning in theCooler White Mountains Based at RusticTal-Wi-Wi Lodge in Alpine Thu May 21ndashMonMay 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) Birdguideeducator Kathe Anderson of Scottsdalewill lead in birding and classroom birdlearningmdasheg binoculars and booksseasons and locations spotting andidentifying bird behaviors and songs$795person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnet
THE CANYONmdashNorth Rim Grandeur Wersquollbase in charming western cabins at majesticGrand Canyon Lodge Scenic sunrises andsunsets rim-top mule ride ranger talksGrand Canyon cookout Pipe Spring NMLeersquos Ferry Navajo Bridge Cameron TradingPost maybe Toroweep Jun 17ndash21$895person double $995 single 577-6546 ore-mail to tyrannotourscomcastnetTHE OASIS at Way Out West BampBPrivateNature Preserve A secluded trail sidelocation offers close-up wildlife observationand colorful mountain sunsets Bird our trails(135+ House List) or the Catalinas 20+feeding stations NaturalistPhotographer on-site Wi-Fi Hydrotherapy spas Bike rentalsEco-Excursions WOWArizonacom5208254590ITrsquoS ALL at the Main Nature Shop Areplanning a birding trip with our Birds ampBusiness Alliance partners or forming a teamfor Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon We canhelp you plan and get more out of your birdingtrip or birdathon See p14 and p 26 or dropby the Nature Shop VF
THE TAS-IFIEDSCLASSIFIED ADS
You need to be a Friend of Tucson Audubonor a member of the Birds amp Business Allianceto advertise in this section Please contactChris Harrison in Membership Services for feeinformation or to place an ad
Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color ldquoI grewup in Tucson Sharing my love of the desertthrough my art is my mission I am constantlytrying to deepen my relationship with the desertrdquo
In May Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered aroundSonoran Desert birds David is also sculpting aroadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze(also scheduled for early May release) Pleasevisit wwwfioretileworkscom for details onupcoming releases and to view a gallery ofinstallations Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301South 6th Avenue 105 and welcomes visitors
GREENFIRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPINGGreenfire Ecological Landscaping specializes indesigning building and maintaining sustainableresidential landscapes that bring basic ecologicalfunction back into your yard Our goal is to createbeautiful landscapes that attract birds butterfliesand other wonderful desert wildlife Using nativeplants water harvesting techniques and ourknowledge of the inter-relationships betweenliving things non-living things and theenvironment Greenfire creates landscapes thatconserve natural resources preservebiodiversity and protect the environment
We have an understanding of naturalsystemsmdashgeology climate soils plants andecology We incorporate this knowledge withlandscape design construction andmaintenance to make ecologically-sounddecisions for your property We differ fromconventional landscapers through our approachtechniques and products used while managingthe soil plant life and landscape We strive tocreate gardens in an environmentallyresponsible way and to improve and enhanceconditions for both humans and wildlife alikeFor more information please visitwwwgreenfireazcom or call Dennis at 429-7306
RIVERPARK INNThe Riverpark Inn is a full service AAA 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting locatedwithin walking distance of the TucsonConvention Center The hotel is just minutesfrom some of the best birding in urban Tucsonand Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easydaytrips The 8-acre property with 174 rooms(including five suites) on two floors haseverything you need to make your stay inTucson a luxurious birding experience Some ofour best amenities include the brand-newTerrace Cafeacute and Bar complimentary fullAmerican breakfast each morning of your staycomplimentary Managerrsquos Reception (MonndashThurs) free internet Direct TV microwavefridge in each room outdoor heated pool andJacuzzi and much more Pets are also welcome
The Riverpark Inn is located at350 South Freeway Tucson AZ 85745-2707239-2300 bull wwwtheriverparkinncom VF
Advertise in the
Vermilion FlycatcherIndividual members and members of our
Birds amp Business Alliance can advertise inthe Vermilion Flycatcher Classified anddisplay ads accepted For a rate sheetcontact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrisontucsonaudubonorg or go to ourwebsite wwwtucsonaudubonorg
verflyindexhtm
CO
PP
ER
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Other Ways to GiveTucson Audubon Society is a registered501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 100 of yourfinancial and in-kind donations and membershipdues are tax deductible
THE VERMILION SOCIETYCreate a legacy that will benefit others forgenerations by including Tucson AudubonSociety in your estate planning Your gift willexpress in a lasting way your commitment topreserving the diversity of southern Arizonarsquos richavifauna and the habitats they call home If youhave already included Tucson Audubon in yourestate plans we hope that you will share thisinformation with us We would like to express ourgratitude and welcome you to the VermilionSociety As always your wishes for anonymitywill be respected If you would like to know moreabout how to designate Tucson Audubon as arecipient in your will please contact ExecutiveDirector Paul Green at 622-5622 orpgreentucsonaudubonorg
DONOR WALLWhenever you visit our offices and Nature Shopon University Blvd yoursquoll notice our donor wallhonoring significant giving with brightly coloredbird and plant tiles For information on making amemorial gift or honoring a loved one with a tileon our donor wall please contact Jean Barchmanat jbarchmantucsonaudubonorg or 629-0757
WORKPLACE GIVINGDonations can be made to Tucson Audubonthrough payroll deduction for employees whowork for the City of Tucson and Pima Countythrough the Employees Combined AppealProgram (ECAP) Designate our number 1434as your recipient and your gifts will go to TucsonAudubon itrsquos just that easyMany other companies offer an employeematching gift program where they match (someeven triple) employee charitable contributionsMany will do so even if you are retired Checkwith your employer for more information
BASHASrsquo ldquoSHOP amp GIVErdquoNext time yoursquore in Bashasrsquo simply link yourBashasrsquo ldquoThank Yourdquo card to Tucson AudubonSocietyrsquos ID number 27286 and fromSeptember 1 2008 through March 31 2009one percent of what you spend will be donatedby Bashasrsquo to Tucson Audubon
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVERLegislation has been extended retroactive to2008 and 2009 During 2008 and 2009 holdersof traditional IRAs who are at least 70frac12 yearsold can transfer up to $100000 per year directlyto charity mdash bypassing income tax Theextension comes as part of the EmergencyEconomic Stabilization Act of 2008 and enablesAmericans to give to the causes they care about
26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
TUCSON AUDUBON NATURE SHOPS
T-shirt
Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go
Who says you canrsquot bird-watch in comfort
and style These T-shirts come in two
different colors stonekhaki or heather
green $20 ndash $22
Cap
The shops offer two styles of organic
cotton caps Keep the sun out of your
eyes while looking at the birds and show
your support for Tucson Audubon at the
same time Choose from two colors
stonekhaki or olive $15 ndash $17
Car magnet
A simple car
magnet is an
easy way to show your support for
Tucson Audubon It will fit on most car
doors and you wonrsquot have to worry about
any sticky residue Itrsquos easy to apply and
looks so great yoursquoll never want to
remove it What a great and inexpensive
gift for a friend too Size 4rdquo x 13rdquo $895
Water bottle
Donrsquot forget the water Show
you care about conserving
habitat for birds with this
reusable stainless steel water
bottle 24 oz You can choose
your color in either stainless or
white $2195 VF
Help promote Tucson Audubon Society Visit one of ourNature Shops to pick up your new logo items
You can show off your support in a variety of ways
Birds of Mexico and Central America 2006 By Ber Van Perlo Princeton
University Press 336 pages Includes
color plates maps and short species
descriptions $ 2995
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico andNorthern Central America2007 By Steve Howell and Sophie Webb
Oxford Press 850 pages Includes color
plates maps and detailed species
descriptions $ 4995
Birding Oregon(Falcon Guide) By John Rakestraw
Globe Pequot Press
209 pages Covers 44
prime birding areas in
Oregon includes
descriptions of more
than 200 sites $ 1595
A Birderrsquos Guide to the RioGrande Valley 2008By Mark Lockwood William
McKinney et al ABALane
Birdfinding Guide American
Birding Association 328
pages Includes detailed
directions to birding hot
spots and an annotated checklist $ 2595
The Birds of Costa Rica A Field GuideBy Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean
Cornell University Press 387 pages
Includes color plates maps and detailed
species descriptions $ 2995
The Mammals of Costa Rica A NaturalHistory and Field GuideBy Mark Wainwright Cornell University
Press 454 Pages Includes color plates
maps detailed species descriptions and
natural history $ 2995
Planning a birding trip further afieldWe can help
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
Birding for Everyone encouraging people ofcolor to become birdwatchersJohn C RobinsonForeword by Kenn Kaufman 2008Wings-on-Disk Fairfield CAISBN 978-0-9679338-3-2144 pages $1895
Birding for Everyone addresses the issue ofparticipation in all outdoor activity in general andbirding in particular Robinson an AfricanAmerican studies the real nuts and bolts of how toengage people of all ages and all ethnicities Thisis important when one considers the growingnumbers of Hispanics African Americans Asiansand all other non-whites Largely the lack ofparticipation for minorities stems from few familyexperiences in outdoor activity as youngsters andit is up to us birders to become advocates to thosewhose socio-economic backgrounds precludeparticipation in a pastime that has such greatrewards Birders Robinson says ldquooverwhelminglywelcome anyone who wants to join them in thestudy and celebration of the world of birdsrdquo
A 2003 survey by US Fish and Wildlife Servicefound that 94 of birders identified themselves asldquowhiterdquo The focus of research using this data wasto define outreach and recruitment programs thatwould enable people of diverse backgrounds toldquofind their way to nature through birdsrdquo Irecommend Robinsonrsquos book to all teachers andnaturalists who seek to engage a broadeningethnicity to their love of nature For those whoidentify themselves as ldquobirdersrdquo I especiallyenjoyed his ten secrets to becoming a better birdera meaty section in the book that gave me somesage tips Available in our nature shops
Review by Becky AparicioShop Manager Agua Caliente
Birdwatcher The Life of Roger Tory PetersonElizabeth J Rosenthal 2008The Lyons Press Guilford CT 1st edition ISBN-13 978-1599212944Hardcover 464 pages $2995
Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality[p 76]
Rosenthal has produced an extremely readableand fascinating book about the life of a giant in thefield of ornithology Roger Tory Peterson isperhaps one of the most influential and mostimportant figures in the world of birds His name isas recognizable as other giants like Seton NuttallAudubon or Darwin Rosenthals book is dividedinto five parts spanning 19 chapters FledglingIntercontinental Migration Paradoxical HomoSapiens Conservation Stories and InspiringFlights Near the center of the book is a collectionof photo plates (color and BampW) focusing onPeterson and his close friends The book is writtensuch that Peterson becomes a living breathingsoul through the voices and comments of morethan 100 interviewees who knew and lovedPeterson The diligent research conducted byRosenthal illustrates a highly accurate andpersonal journey into the life of the Great ManRosenthal eloquently communicates just howimportant and influential Peterson was
Perhaps the biggest theme in the book isPetersons constant interest in conservationNearly everything he wrote came from aconservation standpoint Birds cannot survivewithout an intact ecosystem and are indicators ofan unhealthy environment
Rosenthal also delved into Petersons personallife and his relationships with various people Hiswives and children all had their unique influence onhim and how he interacted with the worldAlthough Peterson may have been a difficult manto live with he drew people to him for conversationand companionship he was a good friend
Rosenthals book is excellent For anyoneinterested in nature birding or natural historyBirdwatcher is a must-read Never before hasthe life of Roger Tory Peterson been so welldocumented and as you read the book you willundoubtedly come to realize that you knew Rogerall along at least in spirit since everything isconnected
When we try to pick out anything by itself wefind it hitched to everything else in the Universe(Muir 1911)
mdashMuir J 1911 My First Summer in the SierraReview by Howard Clark
Wildlife Ecologist Fresno CAVF
MARCHndashAPRIL 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica A Guideto Native and Exotic FloraBy Willow Zuchowski Cornell University
Press 529 pages Includes color photos
detailed descriptions of plants and plant
uses $ 3500
TUCSON AUDUBONNATURE SHOPS
SHOP HOURS
Main ShopMondayndashSaturday 10 AMndash4 PM except
Monday amp Thursday until 5 PM
Located on the southeast corner ofUniversity Blvd and 5th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park Shop
Tuesday Friday Saturday 9AMndash330 PM
Sunday 10 AMndash3 PM
Phone 760-7881
Directions From Tanque Verde Rd andHoughton continue east on TanqueVerde 2 miles Turn left (north) onto
Soldier Trail continue north for 2 milesTurn right (east) onto Roger Rd
continue frac14 mile to the park entranceon the left (north) side of the road
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Agua Caliente ParkTuesday 800AM
Loaner binoculars available meet infront of the ranch house For more
information call Pima County Parks ampRecreation at 877-6111
For permit requests and generalinformation about park rules and
regulations call 749-3718
VOLUNTEER
Interested in helping out at our shopsContact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
(Agua Caliente Shop) or Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)
BOOKENDS
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON AZ
PERMIT 1345300 E University Blvd 120Tucson AZ 85705
Change Service Requested
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCHndashAPRIL 2009
Vermilion FlycatcherVolume 54 Number 2 MarchndashApril 2009The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of theTucson Audubon Society a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society National Audubon Society membersand members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson AudubonSee membership at wwwtucsonaudubonorg
PAU
L amp
EN
G-L
I GR
EEN
Birdathon April 10ndashMay 10
When was the last time you were excited about seeing a
House Sparrow How about a European Starling or a Rock
Pigeon Make every species exciting again by taking part in
Tucson Audubonrsquos Birdathon Put the fun in fundraising
Join in the fun Get some friends together and go birding for a
day For more information see page 14 or contact Chris
Harrison at charrisontucsonaudubonorg or 520-629-0757
ldquoThe question for next year is lsquoHow do you see the most bird
species with no carbon footprint without walking funny for
several days afterrsquo it was a blastrdquo Bearded Tyrannulets a2008 Birdathon bicycle team
Institute of Desert Ecology April 16ndash19
Come join us for four days of learning about birds herps
mammals bugs and rocks and how they interact from the
statersquos top experts in magnificent Catalina State Park For full
details see page 10 Matt Brooks will help and answer your
questions at 520-622-2230 or mbrookstucsonaudubonorg
ldquoThanks for the experience I loved the spirit content people
peace time and opportunityrdquo 2008 IDE participant
STOP PRESS Rick Wright to lead fundraising trip in MaderaCanyon for 12 people May 13 Check our website for details
DONrsquoT MISS THESE EVENTS
ALA
N D
WIL
SON
N
ATU
REP
ICSO
NLI
NE
CO
MLI
A S
AN
SOM