March 2004 ermilion Flycatcher 0403.pdfFlycatcher Volume 48, Number 6 ISSN 1094-9909 Tucson Audubon...

FlycatcherVolume 48, Number 6 ISSN 1094-9909

Tucson Audubon Society www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949

March 2004Vermilion

InsideAZ IBA Program......... 6Birdathon 2004 .......... 4Calendar .................. 10Dastardly Duos ........ 22Director’s Perch ......... 2Education News ....... 12Field Trips .................. 7Field Trip Reports ...... 9Habitat Restoration ... 16Internat. Birding Trips 18Mason Aud. Center .. 14Meeting program ...... 28Membership Info. ..... 24Nature Shop ............. 20President’s Message ... 3RBA Highlights ........ 23Thanks & Wishes ..... 27Volunteer Opps. ......... 9Volunteer Profile ...... 19Web Corner .............. 27

In the four years since Finding Birds inSoutheast Arizona was last published, localbirders have been updating information on theregion’s hotspots and documenting new bird-ing locations. Last spring, the PublicationsCommittee began compiling all this data forthe 6th edition of our book. Finding Birds inSoutheast Arizona offers you fifty-five years ofexpertise on finding and observing birds in oneof the United States’ premier bird-ing locations. In this new editionyou can share an insider’s perspec-tive of the magic of birding thisarea with a foreword by Tucson’sown Kenn Kaufman, author ofBirds of North America and King-bird Highway.

This book contains updateddirections and maps to more than100 birding sites with tips on cli-mate, clothing, safety, and muchmore – including information onbirding Mexico’s Puerto Peñasco.There is a month-by-month guideto a typical southeastern Arizonabirding year and suggested itiner-aries for trips of different lengths.Since our last edition, the Internethas become a powerful source forfinding information about birdsand birding. In this edition, you’llfind Internet resources that canhelp you plan your visit, whetherit is a simple day trip or a multi-day vacation.

The book divides SoutheastArizona into 12 regions, each withits own chapter and map. The de-scriptions of birding hotspots arethorough, with full details about

Available March 20! The NewFinding Birds in Southeast Arizona

what birds are seen where. Directions are aug-mented when necessary with additional sitemaps. Helpful information is provided aboutelevation, distance from Tucson, availability oftoilets and drinking water, and handicap acces-sibility. Local birders and first-time visitors willfind the annotated checklist indispensable.Compiled by Arizona Bird Committee mem-

NEW EDITION, continued on page 21

PARTY!Saturday,March 20

Join us to celebrate theAudubon Nature Shop’s20th Anniversary and therelease of the new edi-tion of Finding Birds inSoutheast Arizona. At1:00 pm meet KennKaufman who will besigning copies of hisforeword to the book.There will also be a 20%Shop discount for mem-bers and friends that day.See page 20 for details.

2 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2004Tucson Audubon Society

OfficersPresident, Robert Merideth .................. 884-4393Vice President, Bill Mannan ................. 621-7283Secretary, Linda Stitzer ......................... 297-3173Treasurer, Walter Kavanagh ................. 621-1750

Directors at Large

Board CommitteesConservation, Bill Mannan .................... 621-7283Education, Floyd Gray ........................... 670-5582Development, Peggy Wenrick ............... 628-1730Nominating, Susan Randolph .............. 628-1730Community Presence, Linda Stitzer ......... 297-3173

Programs and ActivitiesBird Census, Susan Birky ...................... 743-9390Field Trips, John Higgins ...................... 578-1830Library, Bill Scott .................................... 975-8709Mailing, Gerald Sweeney ..................... 326-3701Program, Tom DeMoss .......................... 296-2963Rare Bird Alert, Bill Scott ...................... 798-1005Report Rare Birds ..................................... 696-4461

Audubon Nature Shop & Offices300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705

Nature Shop Hours: M & Th 105; Tu, W, F, & Sa 104Shop Manager, Judy Edison

Asst. Shop Manager, Susan Birky(520) 629-0510 Fax: (520) 623-3476

[email protected]

Executive Director, Sonja Macys .......... 622-5622Asst. to ED, Jessie Shinn ....................... 628-1730Accountant, Tina Eggert ........................ 629-0757MAC Outreach Coord., Jamie Brown ..... 744-0004Education Prog. Mgr., Carrie Dean ...... 622-2230Education Specialist, Dan Wolgast ......... 744-0004Development Director, Holly Foster ...... 629-0757Restoration Projects, Ann Phillips ........ 206-9900AZ IBA Coordinator, Scott Wilbor ....... 622-2230Permaculture/Com., Kendall Kroesen .. 206-9900Proofreaders, Jane & Warren Tisdale ... 749-2139

Mission StatementTucson Audubon Society is dedicated to im-

proving the quality of the environment by pro-viding education, conservation, & recreation pro-grams, & environmental leadership & information.

Tucson Audubon is a non-profit volunteer or-ganization of people with a common interest inbirding & natural history. Tucson Audubonmaintains offices in Tucson, an extensive library,& a Nature Shop where nature-related items aresold for the benefit of our programs, (520) 629-0510.

The Vermilion Flycatcher is publishedmonthly except for combined May-Jun., Jul.-Aug., and Dec.-Jan. issues. For address changesor subscription problems call (520) 628-1730, orwrite to us (see page 24). Submissions for theApril Flycatcher are due by March 7.

Lawrence Liese743-3520

Chris McVie628-1730

Robert Mesta628-1730

Joaquin Murrieta628-1730

Susan Randolph628-1730

Peggy Wenrick628-1730

Roger Wolf882-9633

Wendy Burroughs578-3650

Don Eagle628-1730

Floyd Gray670-5582

Lisa Harris628-1730Jim Hays628-1730

Steven Hopp628-1730

Kristi Keller628-1730

Directors Perch Sonja MacysA King Vulture? On a Birdathon?

If you happen to be birding on Mexico’sYucatan Peninsula (in the state ofYucatan), seeing a King Vulture wouldbe highly unlikely, but not impossible.In November of 2003, my Birdathonteam had the great pleasure of viewingthis majestic bird and providing anunusual sighting for the state of Yucatan(the bird has been sighted frequentlyin Campeche and also occurs inQuintana Roo).

As the team scanned the aguadasjust outside of the Ria Celestun Bio-sphere Reserve, our local expert, PaulWood, shouted out the first expletivethat we had heard in his exceptionallypolite British vernacular. All knew thatsomething unusual had occurred over-head. Tilting our binoculars toward thesky, out of instinct rather than a sup-position as to what we might see, wewere met with the improbable but un-mistakable surprise of a King Vulture.

When you see a King Vulture soar-ing overhead, you might share the in-stinct of some, which is to hang ontightly to your small children. The bird,whose wingspan reaches four feet,strikes fear in those who don’t knowthat it feeds on carrion, not small chil-dren. Often called “so ugly that it isbeautiful,” the King Vulture is an op-portunist. With keen eyesight but apoor sense of smell, it relies on TurkeyVultures and Greater Yellow-headedVultures to find carrion. Fortunately,Paul’s 30+ years of birding the YucatanPeninsula prompted him to scan thegroup of vultures with whom the Kingwas traveling…just in case.

The King was a good omen for ourteam—comprised of four Tucson Au-dubon members, Norma Ferriz (Direc-tor of Pronatura Veracruz), Paul Wood,a local guide, and driver Rios Escobeda.We were there because we had joined

local “legend in birding” KennKaufman for the Yucatan Birding Fes-tival. The Birdathon was the culmina-tion of the festival’s events. With a titleto defend (Paul’s team won last year),our team was particularly hungry for awinning Birdathon.

And although we slept very littleand ate only on the run, we were notdisappointed. Over the 28 hours allot-ted to the Birdathon we recorded 182species, taking home the coveted tro-phy which is proudly displayed at ourNature Shop and offices. And whilewinning the trophy provided a senseof accomplishment, perhaps the greaterexperience was sharing the joy of bird-ing with fellow Tucson Audubon mem-bers, Mexican experts and guides in-training, folks from other Audubon chap-ters throughout the US, and ABA staff.

Returning to Yucatan, where I livedfor five years and worked for over ten,birding with the guides with whom Ishared so many hours as an environ-mental educator, and seeing their suc-cess in creating the birding festival wasa reward that no trophy could measure.And the birds! On our first expeditionto the festival we were fortunate to beaccompanied by Kenn Kaufman, whoshares a special sentiment for the pen-insula. We can only hope that in thecoming years we’ll be so lucky, and thatyou’ll join us each November to par-ticipate in the festival and celebrate theYucatan’s diversity of birdlife.

And don’t forget, you can begin totrain for the Birdathon there by par-ticipating in Tucson Audubon’sBirdathon here. Whether it is for a fullday or just a few hours, joining aBirdathon team is THE way to sharebirding knowledge, expertise and en-thusiasm while also making new friendsand generating revenue for TucsonAudubon! J

March 2004 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 3Presidents Message Robert Merideth

We need volunteers for committees!One of the great advantages that

Tucson Audubon has, compared tomany other environmental organiza-tions, is its significant membership—more than 3,500 persons in southernArizona.

This affords our organization notonly an incredible array of talent in thearea of birdwatching, but also the op-portunity to tap into a wide range ofadditional skills and experiences thatour members possess.

That’s what I’m hoping I can dowith this message. We need volunteersto join with Tucson Audubon’s Boardand Staff as members on a number ofcommittees—ranging from BoardCommittees (serving as a representa-tive from the general membership) toad hoc, project-related Task Forces andPlanning Committees.

We need persons with knowledgeor experience in legal issues, finance,fundraising, public relations, market-ing, journalism, editing, event organi-zation, and many other areas.

Specifically, here are some of theopportunities where you could help:

Community Presence Committee:assists the Board and Staff with mem-bership, public outreach programs, andcommunity services, which may in-clude such functions as the AudubonNature Shop, publicity, monthly pro-grams, the Vermilion Flycatcher news-letter, the Society’s website and library,field trips, birding information, andpublications. Meets monthly.

Conservation Committee: assiststhe Board and Staff in the promotionof the conservation of wildlife and thenatural environment; advises on local,state, and national issues which are, orshould be, the subject of current con-servation legislation or regulation, andrecommends to the Board appropriateaction; makes recommendations to theBoard regarding the acquisition andmanagement of real estate properties.Meets monthly.

Development Committee: assiststhe Board and Staff in raising sufficientfunds to support the Society.Fundraisers include the Birdathon, an-nual appeal, endowment and capitalcampaigns, special fundraising events,and other solicitations. Meets monthly.

Education Committee: assists theBoard and Staff with environmentaleducation; in providing informationand education services for teachers,youth, families and adults in an effortto increase knowledge and appreciationof the natural world and of environ-mental concerns. Meets monthly.

Finance Committee: assists theBoard and Staff in developing, oversee-ing and managing the Society’s budget,finances, assets and accounting, and inassisting the Treasurer in carrying outhis responsibilities. Meets monthly.

There are other special projects forwhich we also need help, such as theIronwood Festival Committee and theBirdathon Committee.

While the Board Committees tendto meet monthly and the commitmentmight be for a year or more, the othercommittees and task forces are moreshort term.

If you are interested in helping Tuc-son Audubon by contributing some ofyour wisdom and time, please contactme at [email protected] orSonja Macys at [email protected].

Hope to hear from you. Thanks. J

Birders Flock to Victor Emanuels Kickoff forTucson Audubons 55th Birthday Celebration!

World-renowned birder VictorEmanuel joined over 350 friends andmembers of Tucson Audubon Societyin a series of events celebrating TucsonAudubon’s fifty-five years of service tothe community.

On Saturday January 17, Victorspoke in Green Valley to a standing-room-only crowd of 220 people. Histalk, “The Ten Best Birding Trips in theWorld,” featured intriguing stories ofbirding in the world’s most spectacularplaces. Victor spoke enthusiasticallyabout our country’s “second most popu-lar pastime” (he attributed the first togolf) and the special places in the world

that offer unique experiences and birds.Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

(VENT) has become the world’s larg-est company specializing in bird-watch-ing tours. And we know why. It is al-most impossible to see Victor’s slideshow and hear about birding in the farreaches of the globe without goinghome to pack. Fortunately, southeast-ern Arizona continues to rank as oneof the top birding hotspots in the world.

On Sunday January 18, Victorjoined Tucson Audubon donors whogive at the Violet-crowned Humming-bird level ($250) and above for our Victor Emanuel lectures in Green Valley

Robert S

uomala

EMANUEL, continued on page 26

4 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2004

The Birdathon is just around thecorner again this year, and as I preparepackets and schedule dates I can’t helpbut reminisce about last year’s “BigDay.” The Birdathon is one of TucsonAudubon’s most important annualfundraisers,but morethan that,it’s one ofthe mostfun things we do. Oh sure, you say,fundraising fun? And I have to admitthat before I began working at TucsonAudubon I read about the Birdathonin the Flycatcher, decided it wasn’t forme, and moved on to “DastardlyDuos.” But now that I’ve participatedin the Birdathon, I’m sold, and to con-vince you that fundraising can be fun,I thought I’d share a little of my expe-rience last year.

First, the fundraising part. As thoseof you who’ve met me may havegleaned, I’m neither a smoozer, a high-roller, or networking type. But I dohave a small circle of friends and fam-ily who share my concern for, and loveof, wild places and wildlife. So in a low-key way, I called and emailed, askingfor pledges for each bird species I’d see.The response was positive, with manysmall and a few large pledges, and somechallenging me to beat last year’s total.Nobody was put off by being asked,and all were eager to hear how it went.

So, on May 11 the last possible dayto do a Birdathon, and Mother’s Day,our group ventured out. Mother’s Day

Birdathon ReminiscencesBy Jessie Shinn

was the only day that worked for us allto get together, so I decided to forgobreakfast in bed (ha!) and other tradi-tions enjoyed by mothers in myth, andtake advantage of an even better gift, afull day with no obligations other than

b i r d i n gw i t hf r i e n d s .Our team,the Cal-

liope Girls, is made up of Judy Edison,Susan Birky, Tina Eggert, Cherie Laz-aroff, Shery Kistler and me. As you canimagine if you know any or all of us,we were serious about seeing birds, butthere was plenty of laughter as well. Itwas also a great chance for me, therookie of the group, to see some newbirds. In total we saw 125 species, beat-ing last year’s total of 113.

One of our goals, beyond seeing asmany species of birds as possible, wasto see the Flame-colored Tanager. Thisbird had been spotted consistently forsome days at the Madera Kubo cabinsin Madera Canyon. When we arrivedat about 8 in the morning on Sunday,we heard that it had been seen just alittle earlier. We saw many WesternTanagers, but the Flame-colored didnot make an appearance. We did see aBlue-throated Hummingbird at thefeeder there (a new bird for me). Afterwaiting and looking and listening andwaiting some more we finally figuredwe’d better move on. We headed far-ther up the canyon where we heard and

Birdathon RaffleEach year, as part of Birdathon fundraising efforts Tucson Audubon sponsors a raffle, supported by generous localbusinesses. Raffle tickets are available on the opposite page as well as at the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop. Manywonderful prizes are donated to this event by nature-related businesses, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and ourown Nature Shop. Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. A full list of prizes will be announced in the April issue of theVermilion Flycatcher.

For more information or to sign up to partici-pate in the Birdathon, call Jessie at 628-1730.

What is aBirdathon?

The annual Birdathon is TucsonAudubon’s spring fundraiser. It is agreat way to raise money for the edu-cation, conservation and recreationprograms of Tucson Audubon byBIRDING! Just collect pledges for eachspecies you, or your Birdathon team,see during any 24-hour period withinthe Birdathon period, April 10–May10, 2004. Ask for pledges from fam-ily, friends and coworkers, or makeyour own! Then go birding and havefun. Birdathon participants competefor prizes in categories ranging frommost dollars raised to most new “life-list” birds. Participants celebrate to-gether at a Pizza Party, to be heldThursday, May 20, 2004.Who can play?

Anyone and everyone! Birders of allskill levels can do a successfulBirdathon. You can bird with a team,a friend, or alone, and you can birdanywhere in the world, in the state, orjust in your own backyard. The sky’sthe limit, as it were. Each person whoaccepts the challenge will be rewardedwith vivid memories, enduring inspi-ration, and pride in having raisedmoney for, and spread the word about,Tucson Audubon.Never done this before? Dont letthat stop you. We are here to help.

If you are new to birding or wouldlike help connecting with a Birdathonteam, please let us know. There is aspecial prize category for Birdathonnewcomers. JBIRDATHON, continued on page 26

March 2004 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 5

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Arizona Important Bird Areas (IBA) ProgramAnnounces New IBAs Approved by Scientific

Review Committee!by Scott Wilbor, Arizona Important Bird Areas Coordinator

On January 29, 2004, ten members of Audubon’s Ari-zona IBA Scientific Review Committee met to review sitedata and habitat information for proposed Important BirdAreas. Tucson Audubon Society coordinates National Au-dubon Society’s Important Bird Areas Program in Arizona.At this technical meeting eleven sites were evaluated in re-gard to ornithological and habitat criteria previously set bythe committee following National Audubon Society’s IBAProgram guidelines. The Sci-entific Review Committee iscomposed of biologists andbird experts from all over Ari-zona. All eleven sites were ap-proved, bringing our total to27 sites identified as Impor-tant Bird Areas in Arizona!!Full IBA recognition for thesesites is pending landownerapproval.

These sites representedAudubon’s eight Arizonachapters’ special interest IBAnominations and were sub-mitted between Septemberand December 15, 2003, theend of our first-round of IBA nominations. The new IBAsidentified (and nominator affiliations) are:1. Sabino and Lower Bear Creek (Tucson Audubon and IBA)2. Appleton-Whittell Audubon Research Ranch (Research Ranch)3. Huachuca Mountains (Huachuca Audubon and IBA)4. Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Prescott College)5. Agua Fria National Monument Riparian Corridors (So-noran Audubon)6. Blue River Complex (White Mountain Audubon)7. Lower Oak Creek (Northern Arizona Audubon and IBA)8. Anderson Mesa (Northern Arizona Audubon and IBA)9. Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge (MaricopaAudubon and IBA)10. Lower Gila River Quigley Wildlife Area (Yuma Audubon)11. Lower Colorado River Gadsden Riparian Area (YumaAudubon)

The Scientific Review Committee has also approved a“working list” of approximately 60 additional potential IBAsin Arizona, which may meet IBA criteria upon future review.

What does this IBA status mean for these sites?

1. It gives recognition to the landowner or managers in regardto the outstanding bird populations and habitat they manage.2. It gives support to public land management agencies to man-age and protect these outstanding sites and avian populations.3. It ranks these sites higher for federal grants to benefit con-servation status species.4. It encourages land managers and local Audubon chaptersto become involved in site bird monitoring, and form new

partnerships to pursue conser-vation, enhancement, or resto-ration projects at these sites.

Closer to home the approvalof Sabino Creek reaffirms theimportance of this and otherriparian oases throughoutsouthern Arizona. Low-eleva-tion watercourses with cotton-wood, willow, ash, and sy-camore riparian habitat and pe-rennial water are of course ex-tremely rare in the SonoranDesert. The Committee recog-nized this uniqueness, as wellas the documented occurrenceof many riparian-dependent

birds such as Bell’s Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler,Abert’s Towhee, and hummingbirds such as Costa’s andBroad-billed. It was also noted that Sabino Creek offers oneof the best opportunities near a population center to edu-cate the public on the uniqueness and importance of ripar-ian areas to birds of conservation concern and the broad rangeof biodiversity they support. The Sabino Canyon NaturalistProgram, and the new nature preserve and beginning educa-tion programs by Tucson Audubon at the John Madden prop-erty were cited as special supportive reasons for its approval.

Where do we go from here? Efforts are already underwayto establish a citizen-science IBA Science Team for SabinoCreek. New education programs at the Madden propertyare being explored, and assessments are being made by Tuc-son Audubon to determine how to enhance habitat and spe-cies of concern at the Madden property. Statewide we areencouraging all Audubon chapters to adopt one of the 27identified IBAs, and begin an IBA Stewardship Programaround one or more of them. Stewardship activities are likely

The Appleton-Whittell Audubon Research Ranch, a new IBA

Audubon staff

NEW IBAS, continued on page 26


Field Trip InformationTAS field trips are free. We strongly encourage carpooling on the field tripsand suggest driver reimbursement of 5 cents per mile. Unless noted other-wise, the “carpooling site” is the parking lot behind the First Baptist Churchon 5th Ave., 11/2 blocks south of TAS on the west side of the street. Pleasearrive before the departure time listed in the trip description. Don’t forget tostop in the Nature Shop after your trip to check out new books, wonderfulnature items, and to chat with volunteers. The field trip coordinator is JohnHiggins (578-1830). Call in rare bird sightings and updates to the voice mail-box at 696-4461, option 3, or email them to [email protected].

February 24 – Tuesday 6 a.m.Patagonia Lake State ParkLook for wintering rarities, gnatcatch-ers, flycatchers, and waterbirds. Wearwater-resistant footgear and be pre-pared for some possible wading and/orsloshing through mud. Bring water,lunch, and clothing appropriate to theweather. A scope may be useful. Be atthe carpooling site before 6 a.m. or atthe Green Valley McDonald’s (Conti-nental Road Exit) before 6:30 a.m.Leader: Dick Palmer (648-6735, [email protected] )

February 28 – Saturday 7 a.m.Birders’ Choice TripMeet at the carpooling site onHoughton Road just north of I-10. Be-fore leaving, the group will discuss andvote on the birding locations for theday. This time of year there will be goodwinter raptors and sparrows in the low-lands or there may be interesting birdson the hotline. Bring lunch, water, lay-ered clothing and ideas about whereyou want to go. Back by 3 p.m.Leader: Ries Lindley (882-6202)

March 2 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Catalina State ParkAs winter draws to an end, let’s look atthe local desert birds and hope for someearly spring arrivals. Catalina State Parkhas a variety of habitats and many birdsthat can be hard to find elsewhere. We’llhope for Crissal Thrasher and Rufous-winged Sparrow and perhaps even anowl. Bring water, lunch and sunscreen,and dress for the weather. There is a feefor entrance to the Park. Meet at thecarpooling site at 6:30 a.m., or contactthe leader for an alternative meeting spot.Leader: Jim Hays (903-1634, [email protected] )

March 6 – Saturday 6:45 a.m.Patagonia Lake State ParkCome see what is migrating at the lakeand along Sonoita Creek. This is a goodtime for waterfowl, raptors and swal-lows. Bring water, lunch, state park fee($5 per car) or pass, and footwear that

can get wet, muddy. Meet in Fry’s park-ing lot at I-19 just east of Irvington. Wewill take I-19 to Ruby Road, then SouthRiver Road over to Highway 82, thennorth to the park. Green Valley birders,join us at the Amado Rest Area at 7:15a.m. Back by 3 p.m. LIMITED TO 10BIRDERS: To sign up, call or email theleader starting at noon, February 15.Leader: John Higgins (578-1830,[email protected])

March 9 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Kitt PeakThis trip has great scenery and we mayhave wildflowers in bloom! We shouldalso see some very good birds includ-ing Crested Caracara and possiblyCrissal Thrasher. Bring water, lunchand sunscreen, and dress for theweather. Bring a scope if you have one,and don’t forget your camera. Meet atthe carpooling site for a 6:30 a.m. de-parture, or contact the leader for analternative meeting spot.Leader: Clait Braun (529-4614,[email protected])

March 13 – Saturday 8 a.m.Madera CanyonBirders with limited mobility or endur-ance are especially invited to this fieldtrip. We will bird the Proctor Road areafor possible early migrants. The path ispaved and has many benches. Wheel-chair accessible/restrooms available.Limited to ten birders. USFS fee area.Dress for the weather, bring water anda snack. Call leader for meeting place.Leader: Darlene Smyth (297-2315)

Field Trips Birding outings for all interests and abilities Compiled by John HigginsMarch 16 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Santa Catalina MountainsLook for early-arriving migrants on thelower slopes of the Santa CatalinaMountains. We will start the morningin birdy Roy P. Drachman AguaCaliente Park, then work our way ashigh up Mount Lemmon as time andconditions permit. Wear a hat andcomfortable walking shoes; bring wa-ter and lunch. There is a National For-est recreation fee. Meet at thecarpooling site for a 6:30 a.m. depar-ture (leader not present), or at theMcDonald’s on the northeast corner ofTanque Verde Road and Catalina High-way before 7 a.m.Leader: Sheryl Forte (579-9734,[email protected])

March 20 – SaturdayDestination To Be AnnouncedCall the leader for details as to destina-tion, meeting place and time.Leader: Gavin Bieber (247-0755, 548-0160, [email protected])

March 23 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mtns.This will be a brief morning walk upMadera Canyon to greet newly-arriv-ing spring migrants. Wear a hat andcomfortable walking shoes; bring wa-ter and snacks. We will be back inGreen Valley by 11:30 a.m. CALLTHE LEADER ON OR AFTERMARCH 5 TO RESERVE A SPOT.There is a National Forest recreationfee. Meet at the carpooling site for a6:30 a.m. departure (leader not


Other FieldOpportunities

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum –birdwalks every day at 8:30 a.m.,Oct. – April. Museum entrance.883-2702. Free with admission.

Arizona State Parks – birding andother walks; www.pr.state.az.us. Fee.(602) 542-4174.

Buenos Aires NWR – Brown Canyon& grassland tours; reservations: 823-4251; Arivaca Cienega birdwalks ev-ery Sat., Nov. – Apr., 8 a.m. 399-0537.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Sun-day birdwalks, 8:30 a.m., Oct. 6 – Dec.8, free with admission. 689-2811.Catalina State Park – Friday morningbird walks 8 - 10 a.m.. Open daily 5a.m. - 10 p.m, Fee. 628-5798.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve –open 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apr. 1 -Sept. 30 (opens 7:30 a.m. in win-ter). Closed Mon. & Tues. all year.Fee. Nature walks 9 a.m. Saturdays.394-2400.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve – open ev-ery day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $5.00general admission; kids 16 and un-der free. 378-2785.

Sabino Canyon – birding and naturehikes. Parking fee. Call 749-8700.

Saguaro National Park – Call 733-5153 (East) and 733-5158 (West)for schedules of bird and nature walks.

Southern Arizona Bird Observatory– hawk and crane tours on Saturdaysand Sundays, fee. 432-1388www.sabo.org.

Tohono Chul Park – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily. Birding walks at 8:30 a.m.Monday, Wednesday & Saturday,Oct. - May. Entrance fee. 575-8468.

Tucson Botanical Gardens – 8:30a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bird and gardeningtours on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Sept.- May. Entrance fee. 326-9686.

Note: Area codes 520 unless noted.Tucson Weekly lists outdoor events in“City Week”: tucsonweekly.com/tw/current/l-out.html.

present), or at the Green ValleyMcDonald’s (Continental Road Exit)before 7 a.m.Leader: Karen McBride (399-1778,[email protected])

March 27 – Saturday 6:15 a.m.Upper Santa Cruz River and PatagoniaWe will celebrate spring by looking forarriving Gray Hawks, warblers, vireosand kingbirds. Stops will includeTumacacori, Roadside Rest and Patons’.Meet at 6:15 a.m at the Fry’s parking loton Irvington just east of I-19 or at 6:45a.m. at the Amado Highway Rest Stop.Lunch at Patagonia City Park. Back by 3p.m. Bring water, lunch and sun protec-tion. LIMITED TO TWELVEBIRDERS: Sign up with leader by phoneor email starting at noon, March 14.Leader: John Higgins (578-1830,[email protected])

March 30 – Tuesday 6 a.m.Atascosa Lookout, Atascosa Mtns.Edward Abbey spent several years as afire-lookout at this dramatic site nearthe Mexican border. We will hike thesix-mile roundtrip trail (elevation gain:1,600') looking for migrating raptors,wildflowers, and spectacular views.Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy hikingboots. Bring lunch and plenty of water.This trip is for a limited number of expe-rienced hikers in good physical condition.CALL THE LEADER ON OR AFTERMARCH 10 TO RESERVE A SPOT.Meet at the carpooling site for a 6 a.m.departure (leader not present), or at theGreen Valley McDonald’s (Continen-tal Road Exit) before 6:30 a.m.Leader: Sally Johnsen (399-4050,[email protected])

April 4 – Sunday 6:30 a.m.Sabino CanyonJoin the two-mile nature walk lookingfor birds, butterflies, mammals, plantsand reptiles. Bring water, snack, andsun protection. Meet at the SabinoCanyon Visitor Center. Done by 11:30a.m. LIMITED TO TWELVEBIRDERS. Sign up with leader start-ing on March 13.Leader: Pinau Merlin (546-9409)

April 6 – Tuesday 5:30 a.m.Patagonia Lake State ParkEvery season brings good birding at thispopular spot. When we finish birdingthe area around the lake there will bean opportunity to visit popular bird-ing spots in and near Patagonia. Beprepared to walk a couple of miles onmostly level, but possibly muddy trails.Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bringwater and lunch. A scope will be use-ful, but not essential. There is a fee toenter the Park. Meet at the carpoolingsite in time for a 5:30 a.m. departure,or at the Green Valley McDonald’s(Continental Road Exit) before 6 a.m.Leader: Brian McKnight (881-4481,[email protected])

September 30 – October 3, 2004Birds and Bombs over New Mexico:Bosque del Apache N.W.R., TrinitySite, etc.At the Refuge, we’ll look for earlycranes and geese, grebes, ducks, peli-cans and raptors. On Saturday, we’lljoin the twice-a-year caravan out to seethe Trinity Site, the location of thelandmark 1945 atomic bomb test deto-nation. Also possible is a visit to TedTurner’s wildlife restorationArmendaris Ranch, and to SevilleN.W.R. where the Mexican Gray WolfRecovery Program is headquartered.Birding stops will be made at theWillcox Ponds on the way over and atthe Very Large Array radio telescopesand the Glenwood Fish Hatchery onthe way back. Maybe we’ll visit a secretpetroglyph site. Birders make their ownmotel and eating arrangements. Moststay at Motel 6 in Socorro. The groupis invited to eat Thursday lunch to-gether at La Fonda Mexican restaurantin Deming. Carpooling is encouraged.The caravan will leave from HoughtonRoad just north of I-10 at 7:30 a.m.and return by Sunday at 5 p.m. Driv-ing on highway and good grade roads.Bring a scope if you have one. Limitedto twelve participants. Sign up earlysince Trinity tour space is limited.Leader: Stephen H. Buck, Ph.D. (577-6546; [email protected], [email protected]) J

March 2004 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 9Field ReportsJanuary 16 – 18Bosque Del Apache NWR

Nineteen birders traveled over toNew Mexico to see thousands of San-dhill Cranes and Snow Geese and adozen Bald Eagles. We were unable tobird Willcox Ponds due to unusual fogand mud. The Lewis’s Woodpeckernear Deming was waiting for us likelast year. Bosque treated us to greatclose-up looks at American Bittern andWilson’s Snipe, as well as Hooded andCommon Mergansers. An afternoontrip to Water Canyon in the nearbymountains featured Western Bluebirdsflitting around in the falling snow. Onthe way back to Tucson, herds of prong-horn were seen near the radio telescopesand a big noisy flock of Pinyon Jayswere near Datil. The Glenwood FishHatchery had a busy Belted Kingfisher.Near the Mule Creek turnoff an adultBald Eagle was eating roadkill on oneside of the road and a curious herd ofpronghorn was watching us on theother. Another great annual adventure!– John Higgins

January 19 – 21Salton Sea-San Diego

The weather co-operated beauti-fully for most of the Jan. 19-21 TucsonAudubon Salton Sea-San Diego trip.Starting on Jan. 19 from Gila Bend,24 participants had superb views of LeConte’s Thrasher and Sage Sparrow atthe Buckeye Thrasher site, followed byscope-views of White Ibis and Merlinin Palo Verde. Other Highlights of theday were several Ferruginous Hawks, amale Vermilion Flycatcher, and an al-falfa field full of Wilson’s Snipe. OnJan. 20 we left from Yuma for the 1½hour drive to the Salton Sea. Althoughwe missed Yellow-footed Gull despitethree tries, we had wonderful views ofRoss’ and Snow Gull, Reddish Egret,White-throated and “large-billed” Sa-vannah Sparrow and 16 shorebird spe-cies, including a large flock of Moun-tain Plover and a Ruff! Part of the group

saw a Mew Gull harassing an Osprey.We ended the day with hundreds ofWhite Pelicans at Fig Lagoon. On Jan.21, 14 participants left Yuma at 5 a.m.for the 3 hour drive to San Diego. AtMission Trails Regional Park we hadexcellent views of Wrentit, CaliforniaThrasher, California Towhee, Califor-nia Gnatcatcher (a toughie!), Nuttall’sWoodpecker, Red-shouldered Hawkand Golden-crowned Sparrow. At LaJolla, under beautiful sunny skies, wesaw Hermann’s, Western, and Califor-nia Gulls, Black and Ruddy Turnstones,Wandering Tattler, Whimbrel, distant(but identifiable) Black-vented Shear-waters, and breeding-plumagedBrandt’s Cormorants and “Pacific”Brown Pelicans. We also saw GrayWhales off-shore. After lunch webirded at the San Diego River Mouth,but the tide was in and except forBonaparte’s Gull and Horned Grebe(and a fly-by Little Blue Heron), mostof the ducks and shorebirds were eitherdistant or absent. On the way back toYuma we stopped in Pine Valley undergloomy gray skies (chilly, too) to seeOak Titmouse. The total trip list wasabout 160 species and included 22shorebirds (out of a possible 28), 7gulls, 7 pigeons and doves, 20 geese andducks, and 10 herons and egrets.– Diane Touret

January 24Northeast Tucson

Fifteen birders from as far as Maineand Michigan had a great time discov-ering Tucson’s birds. The birds werequiet for the first hour, but our secondstop gave us great views of the Lewis’sWoodpecker. A Ruby-crowned King-let showed us his brilliant red crown,and Western Bluebirds greeted us at astop on Tanque Verde Loop. We fin-ished the day admiring a Great HornedOwl at Agua Caliente Park. Thank youto all participants for your enthusiasm.– Brian Nicholas

REPORTS, continued on page 13

Get Involved atTucson

Audubon!We invite you to volunteer withthese Tucson Audubon pro-grams. Check the website forupdates of these and other vol-unteer opportunities (go towww.tucsonaudubon.org, andclick on “Want to help?” in themenu on the left margin).

Vermilion Flycatcher• Help one Friday per month

with sorting and labeling theFlycatcher for mailing.Call Jerry Sweeney, 326-3701

Important Bird Areas Program• IBA science teams; 2-4

people to adopt an IBA andsurvey birdsCall Scott Wilbor, 622-2230

Habitat Restoration Project• Volunteer at the restoration site

Call Ann Phillips or KendallKroesen, 206-9900

Birding Fieldtrips• Volunteer to lead Tucson Au-

dubon birding fieldtripsCall John Higgins, 578-1830

Marketing Development• Development and distribu-

tion of marketing materials.Especially helpful would besomeone who likes using theirgraphic arts skills. We needjust a few hours of your time.Call Holly Foster, 629-0757


Calendar MarchSubmit calendar items and information [email protected], or call 206-9900.Saturday, February 28, 8:30 a.m.–noonTour of Tucson Audubon’s Santa Cruz River Habitat SiteAnn Phillips leads a tour of Tucson Audubon’s habitat resto-ration project on the lower Santa Cruz River (near the PinalAirpark Pecan Grove). Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Jack-in-the-Box on the north side of Ina Road just east of I-10. Tour willstart at 9:15 a.m. at the site. Wear hat, boots, and long pants;bring water—back to Tucson by noon. Call Ann Phillips at206-9900 for details.

Saturday, February 28, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.Pole Planting Volunteer Opportunity at Santa Cruz RiverHabitat SiteHelp with cottonwood and willow-pole planting at the SantaCruz River Habitat Project. Pole planting involves cuttingbranches from mature trees at the site, hand-digging holesin the sandy river banks, and “planting” the bare poles in theholes to start new trees. It really works! Call Ann at 206-9900 for more information.

Saturday, March 6, 8:30–10:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Public Tour: “AmazingArthropods”Join us for a morning discovery of insects, spiders, and otherarthropods that inhabit Mason Audubon Center’s ironwoodpreserve. Learn about these animals as we explore along theone-mile trail looking for burrows, webs, and other evidenceof resident critters. You must register—please call JamieBrown at 744-0004. For more information, see page 14.

Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.Free Habitat Restoration Workshop at the West Branch ofthe Santa Cruz RiverWorkshops consist of presentations, demonstrations, andhands-on activities. Everyone who attends will receive aninformation packet with a map of the area, bird species foundthere, native plants that are appropriate for use in riparianrestoration, information about water harvesting strategies tohelp support new plants, a list of native plant and seedsources, and information about other volunteer opportuni-ties and river groups that help riparian habitat. You must pre-register. Call Ann Phillips at 206-9900.

Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.Habitat Restoration Workshop at TumacácoriSee description of March 6 restoration workshop for details.

Saturday, March 13Birding and Natural History in Sonora, MexicoPart of our birding travel program. See page 18 for details.

Saturday and Sunday, March 13 & 14Tres Rios Nature FestivalSee story on opposite page for details.

Saturday, March 20Tucson Audubon Nature Shop 20th Anniversary CelebrationAll-day celebration at the Audubon Nature Shop for theShop’s 20th anniversary, the release of the latest edition ofFinding Birds in Southeast Arizona, and Tucson Audubon’s55th year of service to the community. There will be a 20%member discount in the shop (except optics and sale items)and Kenn Kaufman will sign books starting at 1 p.m. Seepage 20 for details.

Thursday, March 25 & Saturday, March 27Beginning Birding WorkshopNaturalist and author Pinau Merlin gives this workshop, witha classroom session Thursday evening and a fieldtrip Satur-day morning. See story on page 12 for details.

Friday, March 26 – Sunday, March 28Tidepools Family InstituteFamilies learn about the ecosystems of intertidal habitats,estuaries and other areas of the Sea of Cortez. Deadline tosign up: March 15. See story on page 12 for details, or con-tact Carrie Dean, Education Program Manager, at 622-2230or [email protected].

Thursday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 7Trip to Alamos, SonoraPart of our birding travel program. See page 18 for details.

Friday, April 2 & Saturday, April 3Animal Tracking WorshopNaturalist and author Pinau Merlin gives this workshop, witha classroom session Friday evening and a fieldtrip Saturdaymorning. See story on page 12 for details.

April 10 – May 10Tucson Audubon BirdathonHave fun and help raise funds for Tucson Audubon. See storyon page 4 for details.

April 10 – 16Arroyo Verde—Birding the Sierra Madre FoothillsPart of our birding travel program. See page 18 for details.

April 16 – 18Northern Mexico Birding and Mata OrtizPart of our birding travel program. See page 18 for details.

April 30 – May 2Colorado River DeltaPart of our birding travel program. See page 18 for details. J


A Celebration of All Things Riparian!By Tom Hildebrandt and Daniela Yellan

Celebrating the Natural History and Heritage of the SWValley! That’s the theme of this year’s first annual APS TresRios Nature Festival, March 13-14, 2004, at Estrella Moun-tain Regional Park in Goodyear, AZ. Conceived by the Ari-zona Game and Fish Department and various partners, in-cluding both Phoenix-metro Audubon Chapters, this eventpromises to be a nature-lover’s exceptional weekend. Withthis note, we want to invite you to join us forthe festival, as a guest, as a participant or both!

The Gila system west of Phoenix is a sceneof abundant bird life! Both the Tres Rios andGila River Christmas Bird Counts centerthemselves on this area. A rich fish fauna inthe rivers produces an abundance of fish-eat-ing birds such as herons, egrets, cormorants,osprey and kingfisher. The riparian wood-lands are similarly rich in land birds, mam-mals and all sorts of other critters. This areais also, however, the scene of some of themetro area’s fastest human growth, and many of the new-comers don’t know anything about this wonderful place. Thefestival hopes to change that, and create in them a concernand determination to see these rich values preserved!

Conceived then as a mechanism to better showcase theserich wildlife and riparian habitats, this event is targeted atboth the local community and at serious nature lovers. Of-fering a mix of family activities and specialty tours and lec-tures, there will be something for everyone! From a hands-on “Learning Zone” with educational exhibits and demon-strations, to beginning birding classes, general interest and

specialty lectures, riparian nature tours, a fishing clinic, free-flight falconry demonstrations by the Desert Hawking Club,and canoe trips on the Gila, all this is available to our guests!We’ll also have food, entertainers on stage, many non-profitexhibitors like Liberty Wildlife and the Arizona Native PlantSociety, artists and other vendors. We will be dedicating anew burrowing owl artificial habitat structure and releasing

some owls the day of the event!As another special treat this year, the Ari-

zona Riparian Council (http://azriparian.asu.edu) is pairing up with ourfestival and holding its annual spring meet-ing nearby at Estrella Mountain CommunityCollege on Friday March 12th. Please visittheir web site also and register for their sym-posium on “The Gila River: Then and Now”!They will be one of our exhibitors on Satur-day and Sunday and will assist with our ri-parian tours.

Visit the festival web site (www.tresriosnaturefestival.com)for more information on the special lectures and tours thatrequire pre-registration and small additional fees. KennKaufman is one of several very special presenters, which alsoinclude Pinau Merlin, Barry Spicer and Troy Corman. Usethe on-line registration form to sign up for our lectures andlimited-enrollment canoe tours along the Gila. To volunteeryour participation in the festival, contact either DanielaYellan, ([email protected]) or Tom Hildebrandt([email protected]). J

In 2001 more than 80 local birders began the TucsonBird Count, a project to monitor Tucson’s bird community,track changes to this community over time, and find ways tomaintain and encourage Tucson’s native birds. With the helpof more than 160 volunteers to date, the Tucson Bird Counthas so far been a great success. Over the past three years,TBC volunteers have counted birds (more than 190 species)at over 900 sites throughout the Tucson basin, making theTBC the world’s largest urban bird monitoring project.

With the 4th annual TBC (April 15–May 15, 2004) rightaround the corner, we are excited to see how the TBC isboth contributing to local conservation efforts, and gainingbroader attention through scientific publications and part-

nerships. The TBC is important to science, vital to Tucson’slivability for both birds and people, and is unprecedentedworldwide. Yet the success of the TBC can be traced to onekey factor: the committed volunteers who conduct the counts!This year we are expanding the TBC with new routes in theRincon and Oro Valley areas, and are encouraging new vol-unteers to participate. If you can identify the many bird spe-cies of the Tucson area, and are available to count birds onemorning between April 15 and May 15, please join us!

To get more information, see results and analysis (includ-ing distribution maps for almost 200 species), and adoptyour route, visit www.tucsonbirds.org on the web or callRachel McCaffrey at 232-1317. J

Call for Volunteers: The 2004 Tucson Bird CountCount birds one morning between April 15May 15, 2004

12 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2004Education News Carrie DeanNature WorkshopsBeginning Birding Workshop

Lecture and slide presentation on Thursday, March 25from 7-8:30 p.m. Field trip on Saturday, March 27 from 7a.m. to noon.

Do you wish birds wore species name tags? Do you havedifficulty figuring out what birds you’re seeing in your backyard or out in nature? Want to join in on the fun of birdingfieldtrips but feel intimidated because you can’t tell a Cardi-nal from a Pyrrhuloxia?

If so, then Beginning Birding is the class for you. JoinPinau Merlin, naturalist and author (Hummingbirds of theWest, Field Guide to Bird Nests and Eggs), for a fun day ofdiscovering how to identify birds, where to find them andwhat to look for, bird behavior, courtship and songs. We’llalso learn about binoculars, field guides, and how to attractbirds to your yard. $35 members, $40 non-members. Classsize limited to 12. Call Pinau Merlin at 546-9409 for moreinformation or to sign up.Tracking: The First Step

You walk down a desert wash and come upon the clus-tered tracks of fox, skunk, deer, javelina and mountain lion.What happened here? Nature leaves us clues everywhere, ifonly we can read them. Join naturalist and author, PinauMerlin, to discover not only how to read and understandfootprints, but all the signs of life animals leave of their pres-ence in an area. Learn to read the whole environment aroundyou as you walk in nature.

Slide Presentation and Lecture on Friday, April 2 at 7 to8:30 p.m. Field Trip on Saturday, April 3 from 6:30 a.m. to1:30 p.m. $50 Audubon members, $55 non-members. Classlimited to 10 participants. Call Pinau Merlin @ 546-9409for more information or to sign up.

Family Institutes: Time Running Out!March 15, 2004 is the last day to register for the

Tidepools Family Institute, so don’t delay! Designed spe-cifically with families in mind, Tucson Audubon Society’sFamily Institutes incorporate children’s activities into an at-mosphere in which everyone can experience nature and learntogether. However, if you don’t have children, but life-longlearning is important to you and you cherish the exuberanceof younger students, we would love to have you join us forthese wonderful weekend excursions. What better way tospend time with your loved ones, have one-on-one time withyour child, or spend time with your grandchildren, than toescape the confines of the city and have fun while learning.If camping, exploring tidepools and sloshing in rivers isn’tyour cup of tea, Family Institutes make great gifts for thosepeople in your life who do enjoy experiencing nature first-hand.

Tucson Audubon Society offers two opportunities forfamilies to get away from it all! Spend spring break in beau-tiful Puerto Peñasco, Mexico exploring tidal flora and faunawith local experts and marine biologists at the March 26-28, 2004 Tidepools Family Institute. Based at the Centerfor the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), families learnabout the ecosystems of intertidal habitats, estuaries and otherareas of the Sea of Cortez. Soak up knowledge in this relaxedatmosphere while participating in educational programs,observations, activities and field trips. Bring your own tentor “camp” in CEDO dorm facilities.

Escape the Tucson heat by retreating to the San PedroRiver for the Riparian Family Institute, May 21-23, 2004.A perfect way to start the summer, experience and explorethe beautiful river at the Gray Hawk Nature Center and gainan appreciation for and understanding of this diverse eco-logical area. Families delve into river ecology, and the riveritself, and participate in walks along the river, bird watch-ing, mist-netting for bats, bounding after butterflies, andsnuggling snakes. Bring your own tent or camper (sorry, nohook-ups), settle in next to the river and find out why con-servation of this area is so important. Registration deadlinefor the Riparian Family Institute is May 10, 2004.

For each institute the price is $115 each for adults andchildren ages 13 and up; $105 each for children 6-12 years.Register for both Family Institutes and receive a discountedprice of $220 each for adults and children ages 13 and upand $200 each for children 6-12.

One adult may be accompanied by up to two childrenfor each institute. Transportation to the sites is the responsi-bility of the participants; however, carpooling is encouragedand can be arranged. To register or for more informationcontact Carrie Dean, Education Program Manager, at (520)622-2230 or [email protected].

The Ultimate JourneyWe kicked off the new year in spectacular fashion! Suzanne

Dhruv, former Tucson Audubon Education Director andfreelance Environmental Educator, agreed to helm the Tuc-son Audubon Society coordinated Boys & Girls Clubs ofTucson Ultimate Journey Program. Suzanne, in the midst ofworking on her master’s degree, dove in head first, relishingthe opportunity to work with the students from the fiveTucson clubhouses. Over 50 10-12-year-olds from the Boys& Girls Clubs of Tucson, along with their Youth Develop-ment Directors, spent five weeks delving into natural his-tory ecology. Splitting their time between the classroom andfield trips to area attractions, the kids received balanced in-struction that they then applied in practical field activities.

With binoculars in hand, their first field trip destination

March 2004 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 13was Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. The 3,979-acre prop-erty was established to preserve and protect the natural re-sources of the area. The preserve offered the opportunity forthe students to get up close to the habitat and native speciesthey’d talked about during lectures. The second field trip tothe Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum allowed them to inves-tigate the many animals that call this area home. Culminat-ing with a one-night campout at the YMCA’s Triangle YRanch Camp in Oracle, the students made “water drums”during a native-sounds lesson with Jerry Orr. They alsolearned about herps from Robert Villa from the Tucson Her-petological Society, and participated in a nature keepsake,scavenger hunt, talent show, hikes, and “chubby wubby” ac-tivities led by Suzanne.

The program was deemed a great success and createdmemorable experiences for all the children involved. Thefollowing are some student comments provided by AlmaMejia-Garcia, Youth Development Director at the HolmesTuttle Boys & Girls Club.

“I liked it because it is so fun!” – Yaritza S., 11 years old“I liked going hiking and fishing with other clubs. I met

new friends when I was in Ultimate Journey.” – Sandra M.,11 years old

“I liked the Hawkin’s Hall and the people that I met.” –Chris S., 11 years old

“I liked being away from my house and the talent showbecause I was in it.” – Sierra E., 10 years old

“ I liked the talent show and the chubby bunny, it wascool!” – Neosha H., 10 years old

“If you enter Ultimate Journey you can learn moreabout arachnids and other wild animals.” – Wilberto L.,10 years old. J

Feed your book obsession andhelp support Tucson Audubon

Society!It’s as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Come to the Foothills MallBarnes & Noble on Sunday, April 25, 2004 between1-5 p.m. 2. Pick up a voucher from one of our twotables (positioned at each entrance). 3. Present yourvoucher at the cash register when you make yourpurchases. Barnes & Noble will then donate a cer-tain percentage of the day’s sales to Tucson Audu-bon! Of course, the more you buy the more TucsonAudubon will receive! As an added bonus, BenSchwartz, raptor rehabilitator, will bring one ofhis raptors for a presentation at 1 p.m. followedby a question-and-answer session and opportuni-ties for photos.

In the past, Tucson birders have endured the ten-hourdrive over to eastern New Mexico to be rewarded with theunique sunrise spectacle of male Lesser Prairie-Chickenshunched over and stomping around in the dust trying toimpress their females. Tucson birders again have an oppor-tunity to see Lesser Prairie-Chickens display on their spring-time leks.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offeringtheir annual High Plains Prairie-Chicken Festival April 2-4at Milnesand, south of Portales. The ecology of easternMexico is celebrated with morning lek tours, afternoonbotany tours, and Western food and hospitality. Space is lim-ited so sign up early. Call 505-476-8004 or 476-8006.

In the past Tucson Audubon birders also enjoyed the an-nual tours offered by the BLM office in Roswell. Recentlythe office reported that the tour might be suspended thisspring due to current research in their lek areas. Call 505-627-0272 for the latest information. J

Seeing Prairie-Chickensin New Mexico

by John Higgins

January 31Kennedy Park and Madera CanyonFifteen birders ignored the cold and windy weather to learnabout woodpeckers. The park had many Gila Woodpeckersand one Snow Goose. Near the Continental Store, we saw apair of Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, along with a winteringWhite-winged Dove. Despite the weather, Madera Canyongave us good looks at Acorn Woodpeckers plus juncos, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, towhees and a grounded Red-tailed Hawk.– John Higgins

February 3San Rafael ValleySix birders braved the threatening weather to chase birds inthe grasslands. We had brief looks at Baird’s and Grasshop-per Sparrows, but with so few people it was hard to sur-round them. There were close to a dozen flocks of Long-spurs, but they steadfastly refused to perch on the wires. Theday really belonged to the raptors. It started with views of adistant White-tailed Kite, and was highlighted by an adultBald Eagle soaring close overhead. There were another twoGolden Eagles, a Ferruginous Hawk, a stunning light-morphRough-legged Hawk, along with Red-tailed Hawk, PrairieFalcon, Kestrel, dozens of Harriers (mostly male) and oneaccipiter. We finished the day near the Patons’ picking upthe Harlan’s.– Denis Wright J

REPORTS, continued from page 9

14 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2004Mason Audubon Center News

MAC Naturalist Notebookby Carrie Dean

Anthropods, need I say more? Occurring in all shapesand sizes these miraculous, fascinating things are essential toour existence and stability! Feet, wonderful feet; they take uswhere we need to go, balancing our every move. What, yousay, do feet have to do with the natural history of SonoranDesert flora and fauna? Well, it’s a matter of language andone letter that separates those appendages at the ends of ourlegs from that gigantic group in the animal kingdom,ARTHROPODS! Actually, there is no such word as“anthropod,” which, from the Greek anthropos = human andpodos = feet, literally would mean “human feet,” so if you’rea podiatrist or have a foot fetish, I hate to disappoint, but wewant to talk about arthropods.

Derived from the Greek arthron = joint and podos = feet,the word arthropod means “jointed feet,” and if you’ve everlooked at an arthropod up close, it’s obvious how the namecame about. The Arthropoda phylum contains the largestnumber of animals in the Animalia kingdom; a conservativeestimate is over one million species (possibly more than ninemillion), approximately three-fourths of all animals. There-fore, is it any wonder arthropods are the most successful ani-mals on the planet!

The secret may lie in their short lifespans and high re-production. As large numbers of offspring are produced,mutations repeatedly occur throughout the population. In-variably, these random changes enhance their ability to com-pete for resources and adapt to the changing environment. Thoseindividuals who successfully reach sexual maturity pass the ben-eficial traits on to the next generation, thus affording them theability to rapidly replace previous cohorts that may have suf-fered deleterious effects due to changes in their ecosystem.

Perhaps their success is why the words “insect” and “bug”are whispered with a shudder; are we jealous there are somany of them and so few of us? They are blamed for most ofthe ills visited on the human race: decimated crops, infestedhouses—are you itching yet? Even common phrases conveyour contempt for these animals: “Stop bugging me” and“Don’t be such a nitpicker,” but look what they’ve given usin return.

Arthropods are responsible for pollinating a vast major-ity of our food sources, and in some cultures they are the

major source of protein. They give us honey, beeswax, silkand, in aerating the ground we walk on and providing fertil-izer to green plants, they indirectly provide us with oxygen.So, in essence, arthropods are crucial to our continued exist-ence and stability, I guess it really was about feet!

Desert Life Series Public Tour:Arthropods

To learn about some of the many Sonoran Desertarthropods, join us at the Mason Audubon Center on Satur-day, March 6, 2004, at 8:30 a.m. for another in the DesertLife Series of public tours. Learn about these animals as weexplore along the one-mile trail looking for burrows, webs,and other evidence of resident critters. Everyone will havethe opportunity to have an up-close visit with live arthropods,even if none are found along the trail. The tour is free. Toensure a quality experience for our visitors and to preservethe pristine habitat, registration is limited to 30 participants.To register, please call Jamie Brown at 744-0004.

Workshops Packed!I was particularly proud to don my new Tucson Audu-

bon Society baseball cap on the morning of Saturday, Janu-ary 31st in front of a packed classroom at MAC. In celebra-tion of our 55th Anniversary, the back of the cap reads “Serv-ing Our Community for 55 Years” which is exactly whattook place that morning. Folks of all ages watched, listened,and learned while expert speakers Lynn Kaufman and WendyBurroughs described the “Dos and Don’ts of Attracting Wild-life” through the use of slides and hands-on demonstrationsduring this free workshop. Midway through the morning,Wendy quizzed the group by asking: “Are the feeders we putin our yards for the animals or are they for us?” It really

Left: Lynn Kaufman shows slides of wildlife attractive plants.Right: Wendy Burroughs discusses javelina damage to a nopal.

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Save the dateIronwood FestivalSaturday, May 15, 4 8 p.m.

Jamie Brown

March 2004 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 15seemed to bring the issue home for many of the participants,who had just learned that feeders are for people, not wild-life. Often, we think that we’re doing the wildlife a favor byputting out the feeders, but in reality, there are plenty ofnatural, native food sources available. Feeders allow humansto enjoy watching wildlife, which means that if we choose tofeed wildlife, we need to do so responsibly by keeping feed-ers clean and positioned properly. Thank you to our speak-ers, our attendees, Sonoran Joint Venture, Tucson Newspa-pers, Inc., and the Arizona Game & Fish Heritage Fund formaking the workshop such a success.

Classroom Ramada Nears CompletionEffectively doubling the size of the MAC classroom, Lou

Benson’s construction crew nears completion on a ramadabeing built on the east end of the classroom. Once com-pleted, the ramada will allow our naturalists and educatorsto increase the size of their audiences for outdoor presenta-tions. Those who have attended presentations or workshopsat MAC know that our classroom can be “cozy” at times.But this will be no ordinary ramada; it will incorporate wa-ter-and energy-efficiency by harvesting rainwater, cooling theair underneath with an insulated roof, and using techno-logically advanced skylights to direct sunlight. Improvementsto our educational facilities are possible only through thegenerous donations of individuals committed to the missionof Tucson Audubon Society and the Mason Audubon Cen-ter. Thank you! Also, remember to read upcoming Flycatch-ers to see the ramada in its completed form.

Enemy Exotic Extirpation: Volunteersin Action

In a showdown of tenacity, shovel-bearing volunteersproved victorious over the vanguard of buffelgrass (Pennisetumciliare) along the edge of the Mason Audubon Center prop-erty during a January work party. And what a critical taskthis was. According to the field guide Invasive Plants of theSonoran Desert, “Buffelgrass introduces fire into desert plantcommunities and displaces native desert plant species…Entire ecosystems may be altered as buffelgrass ultimatelydominates the area, which enhances fire events and furtherrestricts native plant growth.”

In addition to buffelgrass removal, volunteers removedtrash, cleared the interpretive trail, and planted prickly pearcactus along the northeast property boundary which willeventually enhance noise abatement. Thank you to the 20community volunteers who made a morning of improvingthe Mason Audubon Center! As far as an ending to ourbuffelgrass showdown, we may have won the battle, but thewar is far from over. Stay tuned. J

Photo sequence showing stages of ramada construction

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Volunteers removing bufflegrass at MAC

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Santa Cruz River Habitat ProjectMore than Just Trees

by Kendall Kroesen

When people hear about habitat restoration, the first thingthey think of is trees. Tucson Audubon’s habitat restorationstaff plants trees, of course: mesquites, palo verdes, elderber-ries, desert willows, and many others. But they do muchmore than that.

Habitat restoration at the Santa Cruz River HabitatProject (northwest of Marana) involves careful planning, siteassessment, choice of a complete plant “pallet” (shrubs,grasses, cacti, annuals, etc., in addition to trees), irrigationsystems, site management(fencing, etc.), invasiveplant removal, and mea-sures of progress.

But even that is notenough for Habitat Resto-ration Projects ManagerAnn Phillips.

Since the beginning of2002, the restoration staffhas given 18 habitat resto-ration lectures to Audubonchapters, professional soci-eties, non-profit groups,and Boy Scouts. Do youknow a group that wouldlike to learn more abouthabitat restoration?

The staff has alsoworked with hundreds of school children, ranging from kin-dergarten and fourth graders at Gallego Elementary, to advanced-placement science students from Mountain View High School.

The staff teaches habitat restoration by showing off itswork. There have been 19 tours of the Santa Cruz RiverHabitat Project for Tucson Audubon members and a varietyof other groups. Hundreds of visitors have seen the restora-tion site on these tours. The next tour is February 28.

In addition to regular site tours, there have been six bird-ing fieldtrips to the restorationsite, involving over 60 partici-pants. These trips are a greatopportunity to see a birdingsite that is normally off lim-its, while also seeing how thehabitat restoration is comingalong. There will be anotherbirding fieldtrip on Saturday,April 24.

Another way to see the project site is to come to a volun-teer workday. There have been 20 volunteer days at the res-toration site so far. Audubon members, students, and othercommunity members have come out and directly experiencedwhat it’s like to plant a tree or a shrub, dig a water-harvest-ing basin, install drip system pipes and emitters, control in-vasive plants, and other tasks.

The next volunteer day will be February 28, when vol-unteers learn how to do “pole planting.” They will cut live

branches from cottonwoodsand willows and plant themin the moist soil near theriver. Many of these poleswill set root and grow intotrees! They will eventuallyincrease the tree canopyalong the river and createeven more foraging and nest-ing habitat for birds.

The efforts of volunteershave multiplied the restora-tion crew’s work many-fold.In the last fiscal year there wereover 100 volunteers who vis-ited the site, contributing over300 hours of volunteer labor!

Given what the staff haslearned about habitat resto-

ration in the last two years, they are now ready to teach oth-ers. On January 31 they held a free riparian restoration work-shop at the restoration site. Twenty-two people learned howto plant native shrubs, install irrigation, build water-har-vesting basins, recognize and collect native seeds, andmany other things.

And the restoration crew is taking their show on theroad! There will be two more riparian restoration work-shops designed for local residents of the West Branch of

the Santa Cruz River (March6) and Tumacácori (March13). You must pre-register:contact Ann Phillips [email protected], or206-9900.

So, they don’t just planttrees. Let them know whatthey can do for you! J

Habitat Restoration EventsFebruary 28 Site Tour and Volunteer Pole PlantingMarch 6 Free Restoration Workshop at West BranchMarch 13 Free Restoration Workshop in TumacácoriApril 24 Birding Fieldtrip to the Restoration SiteFor more information, or to register, contact Ann Phillipsat 206-9900 or [email protected].

Rodd Lancaster demonstrates planting techniques at a recentriparian habitat restoration workshop

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Desert Harvesters, a local group of native-food lovers,held its first mesquite-milling fiesta on December 6, 2003.In July 2003, Desert Harvesters received a Pro Neighbor-hoods Grant to purchase a hammermill—a $5,000 indus-trial milling tool that is the only way to efficiently grindmesquite pods into mesquite flour. The group purchased thehammermill with the intent of making it available to thecommunity. This mill is the first of its kind in Tucson andwill enable Tucsonans to make use of one of our most abun-dant natural food resources: mesquite pods that are availableeach summer and fall right alongside our city streets. Thehammermill was installed on a portable trailer, so it can eas-ily be transported for community milling events elsewhere.Desert Harvesters plans to hold its milling event annuallyeach fall. At the 2003 event, a mesquite pancake breakfastwas served to 100 people, complemented by many dona-tions of delicious native condiments, including prickly pearsyrup and saguaro syrup.What is a Hammermill?

A modern-day equivalent of the gyratory crusher (a Na-tive American stone implement) the hammermill is a fairlycommon piece of farm and milling equipment. It can crushand grind both the pith and the seeds of mesquite pods andsift out most of the debris automatically, producing qualityflour. While not designed specifically for mesquite pods, itis the only tool that will make mesquite flour in large quan-tities, while also saving a lot of time compared to labor-in-tensive hand grinding or blender methods. The mill can grind10 gallons of whole pods down into 2.5 gallons of fine-groundmesquite flour in about 10 minutes.The Abundant Mesquite

Mesquite is the most common shrub/small tree of theDesert Southwest. Like many members of the legume fam-ily, mesquite trees restore nitrogen to the soil. The sweet pods

are a good source of calcium, manganese, iron and zinc. Theseeds within are 40% protein. Native Americans relied onthe mesquite pod as a dietary staple from which they madetea, syrup, and ground meal called pinole. They also used thebark for basketry, fabrics and medicine. A favorite of beesand other insects, mesquite flowers produce a fragrant honey.Mesquite Processing Techniques

Because mesquite pods have the shape and size of a greenbean they are often called mesquite “beans,” which has causedsome misunderstanding of how the fruit is used. Not all ofthe mesquite pod is edible—a great deal of it is indigestiblefiber. The most accessible edible portion of the pod is thepulp or pith between the brittle outside and the hard seeds.Ordinary bean pods do not have this pith. This portion hasa very sweet, brown-sugary flavor and can be ground into ameal for use in baking. The pith surrounds a number of stone-hard seeds, inside of which are found the protein-rich em-bryos or true seeds.

For more information on Desert Harvesters or milling ofMesquite pods visit www.desertharvesters.org.

(Note: Natasha Winnik is the owner of Originate, a natu-ral building materials showroom at 526 N. Ninth Avenue.) J

Mesquite Mill Comes to Tucsonby Natasha Winnik

Desert Hervesters hammermill at December 6 event

Loretta Ishida

Dr. Ross E. Chapin

Dec. 31, 1914 Jan. 7, 2004We are sorry to announce the death of Ross Chapin.Ross moved to Tucson in 1959 and had a practice asan osteopathic physician until he retired in 1981. Hewas a naturalist and long time member of TucsonAudubon, serving on our board of directors from 1984through 1987. He loved fishing, hiking, birding andtraveling in pursuit of his hobbies. We extend ourheartfelt sympathies to his wife Bette and family.

18 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2004International Birding Trips Compiled by Larry LieseBirding and Natural History in Sonora, MexicoOne-day trips March 13, 20, 21, 25 & 29, 2004, with JuanCaicedo of Proyecto Corredor Colibrí and Rochelle GerrattJoin us for an all-day tour of the Proyecto Corredor Colibríin the Upper San Pedro Watershed. Tucson Audubon Soci-ety fiscally sponsors this bi-national collaboration, which wasfeatured in the May-June, 2003 issue of the Flycatcher. Wewill spend the morning birding and exploring the Villa Verdereservoir and adjacent riparian habitat; head across the SanPedro Valley to an environmental education center for a So-noran carne asada lunch; and then travel north to the black-tailed prairie dog town, returning to Tucson by early evening.$89. Contact Rochelle Gerratt at 696-2002,[email protected], or visit www.naturetreks.net.

Alamos, SonoraApril 1 – 7, 2004 David & Jennifer MacKayTucson Audubon again is offering birding adventures to beau-tiful and historic Alamos, Sonora with Solipaso Excursions.This trip offers an incredible diversity of interesting habitatsand cultural beauty without getting on an airplane! Fromthe foothills of the Sierra Madre in tropical deciduous forestto the shores of the Sea of Cortez, you will be impressedwith the amount of diversity found within a day’s drive southof the border! $1,350. Contact [email protected], 011 52647 428 0466, or go to www.solipaso.com.

Arroyo Verde—Birding the Sierra Madre FoothillsApril 10 – 16, 2004 David & Jennifer MacKayArroyo Verde is a deep canyon east of Alamos, Sonora thatsees very few people. This one-of-a-kind trip to a beautiful,though remote, canyon is not for everyone—but may be thetrip of a lifetime! It requires a three-hour drive on a roughroad followed by a three-hour hike to the camp. Burros carryall of your gear, and mules are available for those who wishto ride. $1,150. Contact [email protected], 011 52 647428 0466, or go to www.solipaso.com.

Northern Mexico Birding and Mata OrtizApril 16–18, 2004, Rochelle Gerratt and Juan CaicedoBirds and pottery—the best of northern Mexico! We’ll stopin Villa Verde to bird at the Upper San Pedro Watershedacross the border, eat a traditional Sonoran lunch at a localranch, and then continue on to the pottery village of MataOrtiz where we’ll stay. There will be plenty of time to watcha pottery demonstration and wander around Mata Ortiz vis-iting potters in their homes, and shopping. We’ll also visit

the prehistoric ruins of Paquime, and bird along the riv

March 2004 ermilion Flycatcher 0403.pdfFlycatcher Volume 48, Number 6 ISSN 1094-9909 Tucson Audubon...

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Transcript of March 2004 ermilion Flycatcher 0403.pdfFlycatcher Volume 48, Number 6 ISSN 1094-9909 Tucson Audubon...