Vermilion Flycatcher - Tucson Audubon Society...Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher is...

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Transcript of Vermilion Flycatcher - Tucson Audubon Society...Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher is...

Page 1: Vermilion Flycatcher - Tucson Audubon Society...Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthly except for combined May-June, July-August, and December-January issues.

FlycatcherVermilionDecember 2005–January 2006

Tucson Audubon Society www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949 Volume 50, Number 4 ISSN 1094-9909

InsideAudubon Afield .... 10Birding Travel ......... 23Business Members .. 22Calendar ................ 12Christmas Bird Cnts 20Conservation News .. 4Director’s Perch ........ 3Education News .... 14Field Trips ............... 6Habitat Restoration 21IBA Program ........... 5Inst. of Desert Ecol 18Mason Audubon Ctr.15Meeting Program ... 24Membership Info. . 22Nature Shops ........ 16President’s Message .. 3Thanks & Wishes .. 23Urban Birds .......... 11Volunteer Opps. ...... 2

The First United Methodist Church is locatedat the corner of Tyndall and 4th Street. Take Speed-way Blvd. to Park (west of Campbell). Turn southon Park to University Blvd.Turn right (west) on Universityand go one block to Tyndall.Turn left (south) on Tyndall andthe church parking lot will beon your left.

Note: Unfortunately, due toremodeling, St. Phillips is notavailable this year. Please noteour change of venue.

Sign up: Audubon NatureShop, 629-0510

You are cordially invited toTucson Audubon’s Annual Holi-day Potluck Party. We arepleased to announce that ourspeaker for this program willbe Petey Mesquitey from KXCICommunity Radio. Petey willshare slides, songs, stories andpoetry about the plants and ani-mals here in our desert home.If you’ve heard Petey on the ra-dio you know he’s a lot of fun,and if you haven’t, this is your chance to get toknow him live and in person!

Come early and do your holiday shopping at

Annual Holiday Potluck with Petey MesquiteyDate and time: Friday, December 9, 2005, 6 p.m.

Place: First United Methodist Church, 915 E 4th Street

the Audubon Nature Shop, which will stay openuntil 6 p.m. for this occasion.

The size of the room limits us to 120 people,so please call the Nature Shopat 629-0510 to reserve yourplace as soon as possible. Whenyou call, you will also have theopportunity to sign up for thepotluck item you’d like to bringin the category of casserole/main dish, salad, or dessert.We’ll provide libations.

Our party would not becomplete without the entertain-ing white elephant sale. As lastyear, this will be held raffle-style. We invite you to contrib-ute any assorted interestingitems that you are no longerusing and yet can’t bear tothrow away. Camping gear,birding or nature-orienteditems, or anything else you’dlike to donate can be broughtto the Nature Shop ahead oftime.

If you’d like to help withplanning, decorating and assisting during the party,we’d love to hear from you. Please call Jessie at622-5622. ✪

Peter Gierlach, AKA Petey Mesquity,2005 Holiday Potluck Speaker

Holiday Hours for Nature ShopsDecember 21, Winter Solstice Sale—open until7 p.m! (Main shop only—regular hours at AguaCaliente Shop)

December 24, Shops closed

December 25, Shops Closed

December 31, Shops close early at 2 p.m.

January 1, Shops closed

Winter Solstice Sale!Looking for a final shopping location with

unique gift ideas? Visit the main Nature Shopon University Boulevard during our

Winter Solstice Sale!December 21, 2005

Shop open from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.!First 30 customers to make a purchase of $30 or

more will receive a free hummingbird feeder!

Avian InfluenzaQuestions?

Wild birds aren’t dan-gerous! There havebeen no cases oftransmission of avianinfluenza from wildbirds to humans, andno cases at all in N.America. For more in-formation go totucsonaudubon.org,or look for an articlein the next Flycatcher.

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2 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Vermilion FlycatcherThe Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthly

except for combined May-June, July-August, andDecember-January issues. For address changes orsubscription problems call 629-0757, or write tous Tucson Audubon, 300 E. University Blvd.,#120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions for theFebruary Vermilion Flycatcher are due by January 7.Please send submissions as Microsoft Word docu-ment, RTF document, or plain text file to the Editorat [email protected], and the Layout Editor [email protected].

Editor, June Scroggin ............................. 546-1381Layout Editor, Kendall Kroesen ............. 628-1730Proofreaders, Jane & Warren Tisdale ... 749-2139

Tucson Audubon Society300 E. University Blvd. #120

Tucson, AZ 85705622-5622

[email protected]

All phone numbers are area code 520.

About Tucson AudubonTucson Audubon Society is dedicated to im-

proving the quality of the environment by provid-ing education, conservation, recreation programs,environmental leadership & information. TucsonAudubon is a non-profit volunteer organization ofpeople with a common interest in birding & naturalhistory. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a li-brary, & Nature Shops in Tucson, the proceeds ofwhich benefit of its programs.

Board Officers & CommitteesMessages: 622-5622

President, Susan RandolphVice President, Chris McVie

Secretary, Julia GordonTreasurer, Barbara Heineman

Conservation, Chris McVieEducation, Doris EvansDevelopment, (vacant)

Nominating, Peggy WenrickCommunity Presence, Janet Hare

Finance, Barbara Heineman

Nature Shops

Audubon Nature Shop300 E. University Blvd. #120,

Tucson, AZ 85705Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(except open to 5 Mon. & Thur., closed Sun.)629-0510 Fax: 623-3476

Shop Manager, Sara Pike ....................... 622-2230Assist. Shop Manager, Kitty Pokorny ..... 622-2230

Tucson Audubon at Agua CalienteRoy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Park

12325 E. Roger RoadHours: Fri. – Tues., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Shop Manager, Vivian MacKinnon ....... 760-7881

Mich CokerDon EagleJulia GordonJanet HareLisa HarrisCraig Marken

Robert MeridethRobert MestaJoaquin MurrietaTim SultanHerb Trossman

Additional Directors at Large

Programs and ActivitiesField Trips, Darlene Smyth ................... 297-2315Library, David West/Peggy Smith ....... 622-2230Mailing, Gerald Sweeney ...................... 326-3701Program, Tom DeMoss ......................... 296-2963Rare Bird Alert, Keith Kamper ............. 798-1005Report Rare Birds .................................... 798-1005

StaffExecutive Director, Sonja Macys ........... 622-5622Operations Manager, Jessie Shinn ......... 622-5622Bookkeeper, (vacant) ............................... 629-0757Development Dir., Valerie Pullara ......... 629-0757Membership Coord, Donna Jester .......... 629-0757Education Prog. Mgr., Carrie Dean ....... 622-2230IBA Conservation Biol, Scott Wilbor .... 628-1730Permaculture Spec, Kendall Kroesen .... 628-1730Restoration Projs, Ann Phillips .............. 206-9900Field Supervisor, Rodd Lancaster ........... 256-6909MAC Outreach Asst., Lia Sansom ........ 744-0004Shop Manager, Sara Pike ....................... 622-2230Assist. Shop Manager, Kitty Pokorny ..... 622-2230Agua Caliente, Vivian MacKinnon ....... 760-7881

Birding FieldtripsVolunteer to lead birding fieldtrips. In-structions and help are available. Yes, youcan do it! Call Darlene Smyth, 297-2315.

Education ProgramAssist with environmental education pro-grams for children and adults. Call Car-rie Dean, 622-2230.

Habitat RestorationSee the calendar on page 12 for a list ofhabitat restoration volunteer opportuni-ties. Contact Kendall Kroesen at 628-1730 or [email protected].

Important Bird Areas ProgramCollect data about potential IBAs. Sur-vey birds near Tubac, the Rio Rico area,Cienega Creek, or in the Coronado Na-tional Forest in Santa Cruz County. CallScott Wilbor, 628-1730.

Mason Audubon CenterVolunteers needed, especially businesseswith service programs for employees.There are many projects available. CallLia Sansom at 744-0004.

Volunteer at Tucson Audubon!Nature ShopVolunteer one morning or one afternoona week in the downtown Nature Shop.Help customers, answer the phone, andmore. Contact Kitty Pokorny at 622-2230, or [email protected].

Nature Shop at Agua CalienteVolunteer to help out at the new NatureShop at Agua Caliente Park. ContactVivian MacKinnon or Judy Edison at760-7881.

Green Valley Membership Program Co-ordinatorVolunteer to schedule interesting pre-sentations, including advertising and in-troductions at the meeting. ContactDonna Jester at 629-0757 [email protected].

Special EventsHelp organize and plan special eventsfor the Audubon Nature Shop andTucson Audubon Society. ContactVa l e r i e Pu l l a r a a t 629-0757 [email protected]. ✪

Join Friends ofTucson Audubon

Benefits of membership:✓ All funds are used locally!

✓ Organizational overhead is low

✓ Subscription to Vermilion Flycatcher

✓ 10% discount in the Nature Shop

✓ Conservation bulletins

✓ Monthly membership meetings

One hundred percent of “Friends”membership dues support TucsonAudubon’s goals ofprotecting habitat,educating aboutthe environment,and supportingbirding in south-east Arizona. Tobecome a mem-ber, see the mem-bership form onpage 22. ✪

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 3

Director’s Perch Sonja Macys, Executive Director

President’s Message Susan Randolph, President

Susan Randolph

Kendall K

roesen

Sonja Macys

TA

S staff

While dining with my octogenarianmother-in-law and great uncle, the con-versation turned to giving and donatingto non-profits. I confess I was a littleshocked by their glinty fierceness as theyboth vehemently testified to the impor-tance of giving back to the community.Their use of the tools of age and wisdomto affect the present impressed me asmuch as Albert Camus’ sentiment that“real generosity to the future lies in giv-ing all to the present.”

Non-profits, which are now 6% of allentities in the United States, depend ongrants, foundations, and individual giv-ing. Eighty percent of all households giveto charities or non-profits. At TucsonAudubon, 20% of our revenues are gen-erated from individual donors.

By now you have received our End-of-the-Year Appeal letter. Beautifullypenned, the key word is commitment.Giving to non-profits in general and Tuc-son Audubon in particular is an invest-ment in valued ideas and people. I thinkof Ann Phillips restoring riparian habitaton the Santa Cruz River; Kendall Kroe-sen taking time to answer an inquiry aboutgardens to attract hummingbirds; DarleneSmyth and volunteers coordinating 125 fieldtrips; and Carrie Dean teaching 7-year-oldsto become environmental stewards.

Anticipating your End-of-the-Yeardonation to Tucson Audubon, I want tothank you for your generosity, kindness,and trust in our organization. The fireunder our mission is fueled by our do-nors. You as givers, keep good company

with great minds. One of those minds,Winston Churchill, reminds us that “wemake a living by what we get, but we makea life by what we give.” Thank you forgiving! ✪

What would you say if I told you thatI saw a Crested Caracara flying northover the Santa Cruz River, just nearAmado? If you have been reading thiscolumn for some time you might say “Ithought you were a policy wonk…. Didn’tknow you were a bird nerd!” Little-knownsecret it is; I love to get out and watchbirds. Those of you who know me wellknow that, at times, I possess just enoughinformation about birds to be dangerous.You’ll remember the campfire stories ofoverzealous identifications….

Those days are over. I am a graduate!And I am a certified certificate-carryingmember of the group that was formerlyknown as “Master Birders.” In Novem-ber 2005, I completed the course “Mov-ing to Mastery,” Tucson Audubon’s inter-mediate-level birding class. Offered inpartnership with Pima County NaturalResources Parks and Recreation andtaught by Dr. Rick Wright, “Moving toMastery” helped me build knowledgeabout the area’s birds and birding re-sources and provided me skills and con-fidence to weigh in on unlikely sightings,like a Crested Caracara over the SantaCruz River, near Amado.

My immediate reaction to the sightof this massive and unmistakable raptorwas “It is too far east!” The bird was sofresh in my mind. A recent discussionon one of the course’s field trips had cen-tered on the Caracara, its habitat andunmistakable identification characteris-tics. Like the King Vulture I wrote aboutsome years ago (from a trip to Yucatan)the Caracara is a bird that you just knowwhen you see it.

Herein I digress and don’t do thecourse justice. Dr. Wright will be ap-palled—after weeks of teaching us to iden-tify birds by their primaries, secondar-ies, flight feathers, coverts and tail bands,calls and songs (yes there is a differ-ence!)—here I am telling you that with aCaracara you just know. But with a Ca-racara you do, even when it is out of itspredictable range. Sorry Rick, some hab-its are hard to break.

But I don’t expect you to trust me.You need a resource that is tried and true,something that has served the commu-nity for many years. Enter Finding Birdsin Southeast Arizona. Affectionately re-ferred to as “FBI,” Finding Birds in South-east Arizona helps you identify the birds

that are here, telling you where and whenthey occur and with what frequency.

Unlike a field guide, FBI won’t helpyou discover that the Caracara is unmis-takable in flight with its straight wingsand long head (thanks, Sibley!) or thatthe bird’s extended and rounded head ismarked distinctively with black and red,denoting a shape of only one bird (thanks,Kenn!). But, FBI will tell you that Cara-caras are here year-round, with lesser fre-quency some times than others. It willalso tell you that it is a “casual wandererand winter visitant away from knownbreeding areas.”

PERCH, continued on page 21

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4 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Conservation NewsTucsonMayor Bob Walkup

Phone: (520)791-4201, FAX: (520)[email protected] Council: www.ci.tucson.az.us/mcc.html

Pima CountySup. Ann Day, R, District 1, 740-2738Sup. Ramón Valadez, D, District 2, 740-8126Sup. Sharon Bronson, D, District 3, 740-8051Sup. Ray Carroll, R, District 4, 740-8094Sup. Richard Elias, D, District 5, 740-8126

State of ArizonaGovernor’s Office 800-253-0883Az House 800-352-8404, fax 602-542-4511Az Senate 800-352-8404, fax 602-542-3429www.azleg.state.az.usDistrict 23: Reps. Cheryl Chase, D, Pete Rios, D;Sen. Rebecca Rios, DDistrict 25: Reps. Jennifer Burns, R, ManuelAlvarez, D; Sen. Marsha Arzberger, DDistrict 26: Reps. Peter Hershberger, R, SteveHuffman, R; Sen. Toni Hellon, RDistrict 27: Reps. Olivia Cajero Bedford, D, PhilLopes, D; Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia, DDistrict 28: Reps. David Bradley, D, TedDowning, D; Sen. Gabrielle Giffords, DDistrict 29: Reps. Linda Lopez, D, TomPrezelski, D: Sen. Victor Soltero, DDistrict 30: Reps. Marian McClure, R, JonathanPaton, R; Sen. Tim Bee, R

FederalPresident George W. BushPhone: (202) 456-1111, [email protected]. Senate website: www.senate.govHouse of Rep. website: www.house.govLibrary of Congress: thomas.loc.govFederal Web sites: www.infoctr.edu/fwlSenator John McCain:Phone: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862Tucson Phone: 670-6334, Fax: 670-6637http://mccain.senate.govSenator Jon Kyl:Phone: (202) 224-4521, Fax: (202) 224-2207Tucson Phone: 575-8633, Fax: 797-3232http://kyl.senate.govRep. Rick Renzi (Dist. 1): (202) 225-2315;www.house.gov/renziRep. Trent Franks (Dist. 2): (202) 225-4576;www.house.gov/franksRep. John Shadegg (Dist. 3): (202) 225-3361,Fax: (202) 225-3462;http://johnshadegg.house.govRep. Ed Pastor (Dist. 4): (202) 225-4065,Fax: (202) 225-1655, www.house.gov/pastorRep. J.D. Hayworth (Dist. 5): (202) 225-2190,Fax: (202) 225-3263,http://hayworth.house.govRep. Jeff Flake (Dist. 6): (202) 225-2635,fax: (202) 226-4386, www.house.gov/flakeRep. Raul Grijalva (Dist. 7): (202) 225-2435www.house.gov/grijalvaRep. Jim Kolbe (Dist. 8): (202) 225-2542,Fax: (202) 225-0378Tucson: 881-3588, www.house.gov/kolbe

Who to Contact

State Trust Land ReformPat Graham, State Director, The Nature

Conservancy in Arizona

Conserving Arizona’s Future, a broad-based coalition of conservationists, edu-cators and business leaders is trying toput state trust land reform on the No-vember 2006 ballot. Our intent was tofind a solution that could pass legislativescrutiny and find its way prudently into thelaw books—in time to make a difference.

Attempts in the legislature failed. SoThe Nature Conservancy and more thana dozen conservation partners, includingSonoran Institute and Grand CanyonTrust, joined with the Arizona EducationAssociation to file the ConservingArizona’s Future citizens’ initiative on July19, 2005. Tucson Audubon supports thisinitiative.

There’s no doubt that if any one in-terest had drawn up the measure on itsown, it would look different. It would alsohave little support. We balanced interestswith those of our partners. The currentmeasure differs from earlier attempts inthat it is more focused, leaving out themore controversial elements includingland exchanges and grazing reform.

In crafting the measure, we recog-nized that not only does this need theapproval of Arizona voters, but the U.S.Congress must then also approve the nec-essary amendments to the Enabling Actthat granted these lands to Arizona atstatehood.

Though it won’t be easy, it’s a criticalstep that must be made if we as conser-vationists have any hopes of savingArizona’s most special natural areas andhabitats for future generations. Tucsonansknow first-hand about protecting criticallands. The Nature Conservancy was partof the incredible partnership that passeda $174 million bond in May 2004 to pur-chase lands identified in the SonoranDesert Conservation Plan.

Like the Pima County Bond, Conserv-ing Arizona’s Future also is a landmarkconservation reform package that, ifpassed by voters, would do the following:

■ Conserve and protect nearly 694,000acres of some of the most important ar-eas in our state for generations of Arizo-nans to enjoy■ Provide a better response to growthby requiring state and local authorities tocooperate in the planning of state trust lands■ Protect and guarantee a stream offunding into Arizona’s public schools

The lands in the reform initiative areconsistent with those identified in the So-noran Desert Conservation Plan. Somewill be reserved permanently upon enact-ment; others will be available to be pur-chased for conservation at fair marketvalue by qualifying parties like PimaCounty. Increasingly, state trust lands arebeing purchased for development at auc-tion prices so astronomical that no localcommunities can compete. Passage of thismeasure will allow Arizona Preserve Ini-tiative matching funds to be available forcommunities to use to purchase state trustland for conservation, without biddingagainst developers.

Another important part of the reformis the planning process which requiresthat the land department and local com-munities identify those lands that are mostsuitable for conservation and those mostsuitable for development at the beginningof the process. Communities then willbe offered the opportunity to purchasethe conservation lands.

There are those who oppose reserv-ing land for conservation. They are tar-geting the State Legislature to put a com-peting measure on the ballot. It is urgentthat supporters let their legislators knowwhere they stand.

We can’t afford to wait any longer. Thetime for action is now. On behalf of theinitiative’s many partners and supporters,I’m asking you to join our effort to col-lect 183,916 valid voter signatures andput Conserving Arizona’s Future beforethe state’s voters in November 2006. Withabout 80,000 signatures gathered, we’renearly halfway there. Please visitwww.conservingarizonasfuture.com fordetails and links to more information.Thanks for your support! ✪

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 5

Gray Hawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Varied Buntings, Tropicaland Cassin’s Kingbirds, Vermilion and Brown-crested Flycatchers,White-faced Ibises, Great Blue and Green Herons, Black-belliedWhistling Ducks, Black Vultures, Swainson’s and Zone-tailed Hawks,Summer Tanagers, Yellow and Lucy’s Warblers, and Rufous-wingedSparrows—all occurring along an approximately 42-mile reachof river in Arizona? Perennial water for half of this distance?Only 40 miles from Tucson? Yes, we are talking about the ex-tremely biologically rich Upper Santa Cruz River that wendsnorth through Santa Cruz County from the U.S./Mexico bor-der to Amado. No wonder the Upper Santa Cruz has been afocus of Tucson Audubon’s conservation pro-grams, such as the new Esperanza conservationeasement north of Tubac.

Tucson Audubon also leads Arizona’s Impor-tant Bird Areas (IBA) Program conservation ef-forts in southern Arizona. Since 2003 we havebeen developing an Avian Habitat ConservationPlan for the Upper Santa Cruz River RiparianCorridor in Santa Cruz County. In Novemberwe began releasing this Conservation Plan tokey stakeholders along the river corridor, in-cluding officials and planners with Santa CruzCounty, City of Nogales, Tubac, governmentand non-government agencies, resort managers,ranchers and developers.

The plan was developed by using a combination of methods,including field visits, consultations, and literature reviews as well asconversations with landowners. Biologists, hydrologists, parkpersonnel, landowners, ranchers, resort managers, conservationspecialists, and local environmental leaders were consulted.

Our plan evaluated the historical and current conditions ofthe corridor, the stresses to avian species and key physical andvegetative components, sources of these stresses, and their con-sequences. Bird species are addressed throughout the plan interms of “avian guilds” (groups of birds) associated with spe-cific vegetation components. The plan puts forth managementrecommendations to both public agencies and private landown-ers, including recommendations for the protection of nesting-sensitive avian species. Additionally, the plan outlines a num-ber of conservation strategies, and ranks priority sub-areas fortheir conservation value. A detailed conservation implementa-tion plan is also provided. Lastly, a natural history informationtable for avian species is presented at the end of the report.

Ten major stresses were identified. As we reported in theOctober 2004 issue of the Vermilion Flycatcher, habitat loss dueto vegetation clearing (primarily mesquite bosque) was identi-fied as the primary stress the river and its birds are facing.Great expanses of mesquite bosque (mesquite, hackberry, ash,palo verde, elderberry, acacia), one of the rarest habitat types inArizona, are being lost to expanding development from Tubac

Upper Santa Cruz River Avian Habitat Plan Released!by Scott Wilbor, Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist

all along the river south to Rio Rico. The threat of additionalold growth mesquite-bosque-clearing exists east of the river, par-ticularly south and north of Tubac and Rio Rico respectively, whereresidential and commercial developments are expanding rapidly.

Large-scale tree die-off (and tree die-back) was ranked sec-ond in severity. This stress was first noticed in a small area in2003, but has intensified dramatically over the last two years,primarily in the Rio Rico area and extending northward toRancho Santa Cruz (a 9-mile stretch of river). The cause of thisdie-off involving many riparian tree species, but most notablycottonwood/willow, is still under investigation; an article ap-

peared in the Arizona Daily Star (Sept. 15,2005) detailing the magnitude of the issue. Acommittee of stakeholders and conservation-ists is attempting to further elucidate and re-verse this stress. Tucson Audubon is a part ofthis group. Key factors being investigated in-clude drought combined with increases ingroundwater pumping; an algal mat causing pre-vention of groundwater recharge; insect out-break; and disease/fungus infection.

Other identified stresses to the Santa CruzRiver riparian corridor included: habitat loss alongwashes; habitat degradation due to cattle grazingin riparian habitat; water pollutants; invasive non-

native animal and plant species; habitat degradation of under-story and mid-story vegetation; bunchgrass; trash; and clearingof understory/mid-story vegetation.

The reach of river from Tubac to Tumacacori was rankedhighest in terms of conservation value, followed by the Rio Rico/Avatar properties, and the Guevavi to Santa Fe Ranch area north-east of Nogales.

An implementation plan emphasizes cooperation betweenthe county and non-governmental groups; conservation purchasesand easements of high-value conservation lands from interestedlandowners, and secure funding for their management; protec-tion of riparian habitat from cattle grazing; habitat restoration;invasive species control; and cooperative projects among ad-joining landowners.

Great challenges lay ahead of us to abate the stresses wehave identified. We will work to facilitate the adoption of ourmanagement recommendations, promote our proposed conser-vation actions, and provide for the long-term conservation ofour identified highest value lands. The health of the river, aswell as the health and vitality of human communities, dependson a unified dedicated effort of many stakeholders along theriver. Tucson Audubon and the Arizona IBA Program will workto make sure the unique assemblage of birds found along theSanta Cruz River and their endangered habitats are conserved,and that the communities of the region benefit as well! We willupdate you on our progress! ✪

Gray Hawk

© 2005 Jim

Prudente

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6 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Field Trips Compiled by Darlene Smyth, Field Trip Coordinator

CarpoolingTucson Audubon strongly encourages

carpooling. Be aware that if there are twoor more meeting sites for a field trip, youmay be the only person to use one of them.Every person arriving for a trip should beprepared to drive, or make other arrange-ments prior to meeting time.

We have created a list of “pre-meet-ing sites” where participants can gatherbefore joining the trip leader at the loca-tion given in the trip description. Fieldtrip leaders will not arrange this pre-meet-ing carpooling or necessarily stop at thesesites. They are for the convenience ofbirders who live far from the publishedmeeting site and hope to carpool froman area closer to their home, if anyoneelse from their neighborhood shows up tocarpool. Please make certain to arrive atthe published meeting site before thepublished departure time as the leaderswill leave at that time. Tucson Audubonfield trips are free, but we recommendthat passengers reimburse drivers 10 centsper mile. Each trip description includesestimated mileage.

Pre-meeting SitesNorthwest Tucson: Ina and Via Ponte—commuter parking lot one block west ofOracle and Ina, on the south side of Ina.

◗ To Green Valley: I-19/Continental Rd.McDonald’s parking lot, 50 min, 45 miles.◗ To southeast Tucson: Houghton/1-10exit 275—dirt lot on Houghton Rd. northof I-10, 45min, 27 miles.◗ To central Tucson: First Baptist Churchparking lot on the west side of 5th Ave,1½ blocks south of University Blvd., 25min, 10 miles.◗ To southwest Tucson: I-19 and Irvington—Fry’s parking lot, 30 min, 14 miles.◗ To Mission Rd. and Ajo Way: the li-brary parking lot on the northwest cor-ner, 25 min, 14 miles.◗ To northeast Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd./Catalina Hwy.—McDonald’s parking lot,40 min, 16 miles.

Central Tucson: The First Baptist Churchparking lot on the west side of 5th Ave,1½ blocks south of University Blvd. Thissite may not be used on weekends.

Southwest Tucson: I-19 and Irvington—Fry’s parking lot.◗ To Green Valley: I-19/Continental Rd. exit63—McDonald’s parking, 30 min, 22 miles.◗ To northwest Tucson: Ina/Via Ponte—commuter parking lot one block west ofOracle and Ina, on the south side of Ina,30 min, 14 miles.◗ To northeast Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd./

Catalina Hwy—McDonald’s parking lot,35 min, 20 miles.

Green Valley: I-19 and Continental Rd.exit 63—McDonald’s parking lot.◗◗◗◗◗ To northwest Tucson: Ina/Via Ponte—commuter parking lot one block west ofOracle and Ina, on the south side of Ina,50 min, 45 miles.◗ To central Tucson: First Baptist Churchparking lot on the west side of 5th Ave,1½ blocks south of University Blvd., 45min, 35 miles.◗ To Mission Rd./Ajo Way: NW corner,library parking lot, 30min, 24 miles.◗ To Benson: I-10/St. Hwy 90—McDonald’s parking lot, 1 hour 15 min,70 miles.◗ To Sierra Vista: Gateway Park—on N.Garden St. near the main gate to Ft.Huachuca, 1 hour 45 min, 85 miles.

Northeast Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd./Catalina Hwy—McDonald’s parking lot.◗ To northwest Tucson: Ina/Via Ponte—commuter parking lot one block west ofOracle and Ina, on the south side of Ina,40 min, 16 miles.◗ To southwest Tucson: I-19/Irvington—Fry’s parking lot, 35 min, 20 miles.◗ To Mission Rd./Ajo Way: NW corner,library parking lot, 35 min, 18 miles.

December 3 – Saturday 7 a.m.The Santa Cruz River from ChristopherColumbus Park North to Avra Valley Rd.Join us as we search through the varioushotspots that lie along Tucson’s under-birded Santa Cruz River. We will spendtime looking through sparrow and war-bler flocks and also checking some goodareas for shorebirds and waterfowl. Theday will involve a few miles of walking onoccasionally uneven and sometimes wetground. Dress accordingly; bring waterand a sack lunch. A scope will come inhandy for the shorebirds. Meet at theNorthwest Tucson carpooling site for a7 a.m. departure, or contact the leaderfor an alternate meeting spot. (Approx.40 miles roundtrip)Leader: Gavin Bieber (360-1736 [email protected])

December 3 – Saturday 6 to 9 p.m.Manzantia Elementary School Star PartyIntroduction to the autumn/winter con-stellations. Some “birds” include Cygnusthe Swan, Aquila the Eagle, as well asPegasus, the Winged Horse. Many of thebright stars of winter will be visible. Bringbinoculars (35- or 50-mm are the best,but “birding” binoculars with 20-mmaperture will work as well) and learn tofind your way around Tucson’s night sky.Dress for the evening, but there will beno desert hiking. If you have a flashlight,cover it with red paper to preserve darkadaptation. There will be no Moon vis-ible, but Venus and Mars will be near-greatest brilliancy, and Saturn will be vis-ible as well. Also, Great Horned owls dolive in the area. Directions: west offCampbell about ½ mile north of Skyline.

Turn left on Manzanita Avenue (there isno right), head west about 150 m. andturn left into the parking lot. Come forall or part of the evening.Leader: Michael Smith (299-0122 [email protected])

December 6 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.San Pedro Riparian National Conserva-tion AreaThis is one of the country’s best year-round birding areas. We should see lotsof raptors, sparrows, flycatchers, andother resident and wintering birds. GreenKingfisher has been seen here recently!Dress warmly, wear a hat, and bring wa-ter and lunch. A scope may be very use-ful. Meet at the Central Tucson carpoolingsite for a 6:30 a.m. departure (leader notpresent), at Houghton Road north of I-

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 7

10 before 7 a.m. (leader not present), ormeet the leader at San Pedro House offArizona Route 90 east of Sierra Vistaabout 8 a.m. (160 miles roundtrip)Leader: Erika Wilson (520-234-4359 [email protected])

December 10 – Saturday 7:15 a.m.Sulphur Springs ValleySpend the day looking for SandhillCranes, Ferruginous Hawks, Merlins,Bald and Golden Eagles, Long-billed Cur-lews, and waterfowl. We will check outWhitewater Draw, Elfrida and Sunizonafarm fields, Willcox Ponds and theAEPCO power plant viewing area. Beready for cold, wet, and windy weatherand muddy roads. Bring water, lunch, andapple pie money. Bring a scope if youhave one. Meet at 7:15 a.m. at HoughtonRoad just north of I-10. Back by 5 p.m.Birders do not need to sign up but areinvited to call the leader if they have ques-tions. (250 miles roundtrip)Leader: John Higgins (578-1830 [email protected])

December 11 – Sunday 7:30 a.m.Pena Blanca LakeBring a folding chair and sit with me atthe dock of this quiet lake and enjoy thebirds that call this area home for the win-ter. There may be a few short strolls alongsome accessible “birdy” areas. Dress forthe weather; bring lunch and water. Wewill be back by early afternoon. Meet atFry’s parking lot on I-19/Irvington Rd.for a 7:30 a.m. departure. (140 milesroundtrip)Leader: Darlene Smyth (297-2315 [email protected] )

December 13 – Tuesday 7:15 a.m.Green Valley Wastewater Treatment Plantand Lower Madera CanyonThis is a half-day trip. We’ll enjoy theducks, hawks, and more at the treatmentplant and then go on to bird along theroad to Madera Canyon. At Proctor park-ing area we’ll walk toward Whitewaterpicnic area looking for winter residents.We’ll finish at the feeders at Santa RitaLodge. Dress for the weather. Bring wa-ter, sunscreen, hat, and snack. Meet atthe carpooling site in Central Tucson fora 7:15 a.m. departure (leaders not present)or at the Green Valley McDonald’s (Con-

tinental Road Exit #63) before 7:45 a.m.(70 miles roundtrip)Leaders: Bev and Clair Postmus (625-5225 or [email protected])

December 18 – Sunday 7 a.m.Evergreen Cemetery Christmas CountHave a great time and help add to ourbird knowledge at the same time. Be partof the Christmas tradition going on since1900! We will be counting the species andindividual birds in the area of EvergreenCemetery. A $5 participation fee defraysa portion of the cost of tabulating andpublishing the overall count results. Dressfor the weather and bring anything thatyou need (water and lunch) to make youcomfortable for the day. Christmas cook-ies for the leader are optional. We willprimarily be walking in the cemetery.Meet at the parking lot of the Target storeat North Oracle and Roger Road (4040N. Oracle Road). Please contact theleader to sign up.Leader: Clait Braun (529-4614 or [email protected])

December 18 – Sunday 6:30 a.m.Christmas Bird Count—Sweetwater Wet-lands and VicinityJoin this exciting Christmas Bird Countby meeting us at the Ina/Via Pontecarpooling site. From here, we will splitinto groups and work the river from bothsides, surveying Columbus Park, the Or-ange Grove Ponds, Sweetwater Wetlands,and the Roger Road Ponds. Most groupswill have a minimum two-mile walk onuneven ground. Bring plenty of water,sunscreen, lunch and snacks. We will endthe day around 4 p.m., and meet to com-pile our lists. RSVP. We will need to limitparticipants (much to my regret). Thereis a $5 participation fee which defrays aportion of the cost of tabulating and pub-lishing the overall count results.Leader: Melody Kehl (885-6362 [email protected])

December 18 – Sunday 7:15 a.m.Christmas Bird Count in the North WestCatalina FoothillsThis count will be conducted mainly inresidential neighborhoods, but includeswashes, a golf course, a horse track and aportion of the Rillito River towards thesouth. There will be quite a lot of stop-

and-go birding in this area. Dress for theweather and varied walking conditions,and bring water, lunch, and snacks. Wewill end the day when the area has beensurveyed. Participation is limited andthere is a $5 participation fee which de-frays a portion of the cost of tabulatingand publishing the overall count results.Please contact the leader to sign up. Wewill meet at the commuter lot at Ina andVia Ponte.Leader: Darlene Smyth (297-2315 [email protected])

December 18 – Sunday 7:30 a.m.North Central Tucson Christmas CountCome and help do the Christmas Countin the area that is bordered by Grant Rd.on the south, the Rillito River on thenorth, Campbell Rd. on the west and ex-tends just a bit east of Craycroft Rd. Wewill start in Fort Lowell Park and workour way west to Campbell Ave. Dress forthe weather and bring anything that youneed to make you comfortable for theday. A $5.00 participation fee defrays aportion of the cost of tabulating and pub-lishing the overall count results. Partici-pation is limited, so call the leader to signup. Meet at the pond at the north end ofthe parking lot at Ft. Lowell Park (en-trance at Glenn and Craycroft).Leader: David West (886-6237)

December 20 – Tuesday 7 a.m.Reddington Pass, Rincon MountainsThis is the time of year to spend sometime in the Rincons. This just might bethe year of many birds! In the past, wehave seen Mountain Bluebirds, SageThrashers and Black-chinned Sparrows.We will bird some areas along the road.If we have enough high-clearance ve-hicles, we may try for Bellota Ranch anda pond in the area. Wear good walkingshoes; bring plenty of water and snacksor lunch. Don’t be surprised if it is warm.We will break up around noon, depend-ing on the birding. Meet at the CentralTucson carpooling site for a 7 a.m. de-parture (leader not present), or at theMcDonald’s on the northeast corner ofCatalina Highway and Tanque Verde Roadbefore 7:30 a.m. (local)Leader: Melody Kehl (885-6362 [email protected] )

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8 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

December 27 – TuesdayNo trip scheduled; Gila River ChristmasBird CountContact Troy Corman at 602-482-6187or [email protected].

January 3 – Tuesday 6 a.m.Saint David Christmas Bird CountWe’ll join in and help the Saint DavidChristmas Bird Count on this trip. Thisarea has some nice wintering bird habi-tat. We’ll cover our assigned territory, andthen possibly visit the monastery for someadditional birding if time permits. Thoughwalk-ins would be welcome, please con-tact the leader if you plan to attend soour coverage area can be planned withthe compiler. There is a $5 participationfee which defrays a portion of the cost oftabulating and publishing the overall countresults. Contact the leader for more in-formation. Meet at the Central Tucsoncarpooling site for a 6 a.m. departure orat Houghton Road just north of I-10 be-fore 6:30 a.m. Bring lunch and water,good footwear, and be prepared for coldweather. (~100 miles roundtrip)Leader: Larry Liese (743-3520 [email protected])

January 8 – Sunday 7:30 a.m.Northeast TucsonGood birds are closer than you think.Come explore the northeast side of townon our quest for raptors, sparrows, wa-terfowl, and any other surprises to comeour way. We hope to pick up 60 speciesas we explore fields, ponds, pecan groves,and washes. We’ll cover Woodland Roadeastward, finishing up at Agua CalientePark at 1 p.m. (with an intermediate stop-ping point at 11:30 a.m.). Meet at theMcDonald’s on the northeast corner ofCatalina Highway and Tanque Verde at7:30 a.m. Bring water and lunch,. Scopesare also helpful. (Local)Leader: Brian Nicholas (760-3583 [email protected])

January 10 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Willcox and Sulfur Springs ValleySulfur Springs Valley south of Willcox iswinter home to thousands of SandhillCranes, hundreds of ducks and geese, aswell as raptors, longspurs and other birdsof the grasslands and agricultural fields.Most birding will be from the roads, but

there will also be some short walks. Bringa scope if at all possible. Wear a hat andclothing appropriate to the weather, whichcan be unpredictable at this time of year.Bring water and lunch. Meet at the Cen-tral Tucson carpooling site for a 6:30 a.m.departure (leader not present), or atHoughton Road north of I-10 before 7a.m. (250 miles roundtrip)Leader: Erika Wilson (520-234-4359 [email protected])

January 13–15, Friday to SundayBosque Del Apache NWR, New MexicoCome see a dozen Bald Eagles, 10,000Sandhill Cranes, and 20,000 Snow Geese.The group will leave from Houghton andI-10 at 7 a.m. on Friday. We will eat lunchtogether in Deming. Birders will be re-sponsible for their motel and meals inSocorro. Motel 6 will be our meeting spotin Socorro. Sunday, we will come backwest through the mountains, eat a picniclunch on the way, and get back to Tucsonby 5 p.m. Sunday. Be ready for very cold,windy and even snowy weather. Watchweather reports for Albuquerque orSocorro. Bring a scope if you have one.(800 miles roundtrip)Leader: John Higgins (578-1830 [email protected])

January 14 – Saturday 7:30 a.m.Sulphur Springs Valley—Winter RaptorsWe will drive 250 miles in search of win-tering raptors in the Sulphur Springs Val-ley. We will likely see buteos, accipiters,falcons and eagles on this trip. Bringdrinks, lunch, binoculars and a scope ifyou have one. Meet at Houghton Road,just north of I-10 at 7:30 a.m.; we will beback by 5 p.m.Leaders: Ned and Linda Harris (751-2105 or [email protected])

January 17 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Las Cienegas National Conservation AreaWe will look for sparrows and raptors inthe grasslands and wintering species inthe lush riparian strips that are present atthis site. Bring water and a lunch. Meetat the Central Tucson carpooling site fora 6:30 a.m. departure (leader not present)or at Houghton Road north of I-10 be-fore 7 a.m. (120 miles roundtrip)Leader: Keith Kamper (760-4833 [email protected])

January 21 – Saturday 7 a.m.Boyce Thompson ArboretumThis lovely state park often hosts raritiesat this time of year along with the usualwintering birds. Come and see which“snowbirds” are here this year. Dress forthe weather, bring lunch, water, and ei-ther a state parks pass or money ($6) forthe entrance fee. Meet at the NorthwestTucson site (Ina/Via Ponte) for a 7 a.m.departure. (200 miles roundtrip)Leader: Darlene Smyth (297-2315 [email protected])

January 24 – Tuesday 5 a.m.San Rafael Grasslands, Santa Cruz CountyEnjoy one of Arizona’s secret treasures,the high grasslands that are the source ofthe Santa Cruz River. Expect to see lotsof raptors, sparrows of many kinds, andpossibly longspurs. Baird’s and Grasshop-per Sparrows are possible, and evenSprague’s Pipits have been seen here.Much of the birding will be from the car,but be prepared to do some walkingthrough high grass. It can be chilly in theearly morning, so dress in layers and wearsturdy boots. Bring water and lunch. Ascope may be useful. Meet at the CentralTucson carpooling site (leader notpresent) for a 5 a.m. departure, or meetthe leader at Houghton Road north of I-10 before 5:30 a.m. (180 miles roundtrip)Leader: Clait Braun (529-4614 or [email protected])

January 28 – Saturday 7 a.m.Santa Cruz River—multiple destinationsJoin Tucson Audubon’s executive direc-tor for a leisurely morning of birding alongthe Santa Cruz River. Our exact itiner-ary will be determined by where the birdsare but expect to visit sites along the riverbetween Amado and Tumacacori with apossible visit to the Esperanza RanchConservation Easement. Dress for coolweather (sunrise will be at 7:24 a.m.!),use sun block, and bring lunch and wa-ter. Meet at the Southwest Tucsoncarpooling site (Fry’s parking lot at I-19and Irvington). Back by 2 p.m. (100 milesroundtrip). Note: group size is limited to12 so please e-mail the leader to reserveyour spot.Leader: Sonja Macys([email protected] )

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 9

Tucson Area BirdingMason Audubon Center “Beginner’s Birding Walks”2nd Wednesday & 3rd Saturday of the month, 8 a.m.Walks are designed for beginning birders of all ages. For more information,contact Lia Sansom at 744-0004 or [email protected].

Wake up with the Birds at Agua Caliente ParkTuesdays in December, 7:45 a.m., & Tuesdays in January at 8 a.m.Pima County Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation offers guided bird walksespecially for beginning bird watchers. Binoculars will be available for useduring the walk. Location: Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E.Roger Road; meet at the Visitor Center. For information, call 877-6112.

Kino Ecological Restoration Project “Urban Bird Walks”4th Saturday of the month at 8 a.m.Walk around Sam Lena Park looking into the flood control basins that PimaCounty has re-contoured and planted with extensive native vegetation. Con-tact Kendall Kroesen at 628-1730, or [email protected].

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

Catalina State ParkOpen daily 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.; fee. Fall/winter bird walks on Fridays, 8-10 a.m.at the first picnic area. Call 628-5798 for information about birding walks.

Sabino CanyonBirding and nature hikes. Parking fee. Call 749-8700.

Saguaro National ParkCall 733-5153 (East) and 733-5158 (West) for schedules of bird and naturewalks.

Tohono Chul Park8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Birding walks at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday &Saturday. Entrance fee (free 1st Tuesday of every month). 575-8468.

Tucson Botanical Gardens8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Entrance fee. 326-9686.

Other AreasArizona State Parks – Birding and other walks; www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. (602)542-4174.

Buenos Aires NWR – Refuge & Arivaca Cienega open 24 hours/day. 823-4251 x1.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (except Dec.25).Bird sightings posted at ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/birdwalks.html. 689-2811.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve – Open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1 – Mar.31. Closed Mon. & Tues. Fee. 394-2400.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve – Open every day 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fee; kids free.378-2785.

Southern Arizona Bird Observatory – Hawk and crane tours on Saturdays andSundays, fee. 432-1388 www.sabo.org.

January 31 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m.Patagonia Lake State ParkLook for wintering rarities, gnatcatchers,flycatchers and waterbirds. Be preparedto walk a couple of miles over mostly leveltrails that may be wet and muddy inplaces. Wear appropriate footgear, dressfor the weather, and bring water andlunch. Bring a scope if you have one.Note: There is a fee for entry into thepark. Be at the Central Tucson carpoolingsite for a 6:30 a.m. departure or at theGreen Valley McDonald’s (ContinentalRoad Exit) before 7 a.m. (140 milesroundtrip)Leader: Diane Touret (299-7490 [email protected])

February 7 – Tuesday 7 a.m.Catalina State ParkCatalina State Park has a variety of habi-tats and many birds that can be hard tofind elsewhere. We’ll hope for CrissalThrasher and Rufous-winged Sparrow andperhaps even an owl. Bring water, lunchand sunscreen, and dress for the weather.There is a fee for entrance to the park.Meet at the Central Tucson carpoolingsite for a 7 a.m. departure, or at theNorthwest Tucson meeting spot (Ina andVia Ponte) before 7:30 a.m. (Local)Leader: Jim Hays (903-1634,[email protected] )

February 14 – Tuesday 5 a.m.BuckeyeSee Le Conte’s Thrasher and otherthrasher species in the narrow seasonalwindow when they tend to be perched upand singing! Sage Sparrows are also likely.The early start is required because thedrive to Buckeye is long and the birdssing mostly in the early morning. We’llvisit Cobble Ponds and other Phoenix-area hotspots afterward, returning to Tuc-son in the late afternoon. Walking isthrough mostly level fields, plus some bird-ing along the roads. Bring water, lunch,and a scope if you have one. Be at theCentral Tucson carpooling site before 5a.m. Plan to carpool if at all possible,since the drive is quite long. (330 milesroundtrip)Leader: Melody Kehl (885-6362 [email protected]) ✪

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10 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Tucson Audubon Afield Rick Wright, Field Trip Leader

Rick Wright, Editor of the American Birding Association’sWinging It, owns Aimophila Adventures, a Tucson-based guid-ing and tour service for birders (www.birdaz.com). He leadstrips and teaches courses and workshops for Tucson Audubon,and served as the author of this column for 2005.

The recent popular literature about birding makes us all seemobsessive, fanatical, and fiercely competitive. That picture isn’tentirely true. I, for example, am not the least bit competitive: Ijust like to win.

Winning in the birding game, like in other games, some-times requires a creative construction of the rules. For example,the 50 species recorded at Catalina State Park on the Interna-tional Big Sit October 9, while impressive, pales next to thetotals reported for some of the 170 circles worldwide; but the25 birders who “sat” a 12-hour day to raise funds for educationand conservation can be proud of hav-ing submitted the longest list for anycircle in the world with no ducks onit, and the only list in the world toinclude both Rufous-winged Spar-row and Eastern Phoebe. Impressed?Donations in honor of the doughtycounters can still be made directlyto Tucson Audubon.

All the Big Sitters remarked onthe scarcity of migrants that day, animpression shared by the partici-pants on Kendall Kroesen’s trip to theupper Santa Cruz the day before. Butthe birding rules favor quality overquantity, and the Common Black-Hawk seen moving south would havemade every birder’s day even with-out the Gray Hawks, Lazuli Bunting,and Warbling Vireos found nearby.

Raptors were also a high point onthe trip to the Sulphur Springs Val-ley led by Keith Kamper October 11. Among the NorthernHarriers at Whitewater Draw was one foolish bird that pre-sumed to attack a perched Golden Eagle: the larger bird tookflight and “gained altitude quickly; the harrier climbed and per-formed a spectacular dive against its adversary, which madeseveral impressive evasive maneuvers, demonstrating that whilelarge, it was very agile. A second Golden Eagle joined the com-batants in the air, followed soon after by a confused ibis!” Hardto imagine any sight to rival that one, but a “Krider’s” Red-tailed Hawk later that day at Willcox was new to many of theparticipants, while a Crissal Thrasher found at Lake Cochisewas the first of that species most had seen there.

Considerably smaller than the Sulphur Springs eagles, butno less combative, no fewer than five species of hummingbirdswere the highlight of the October 18 trip to Madera Canyon,led by Bev Postmus; the expected Blue-throated, Magnificent,Black-chinned, and Anna’s were joined at the feeders of theSanta Rita Lodge by a Costa’s Hummingbird, scarce at thatelevation and in that habitat. Earlier in the trip, the Green Val-ley sewage ponds played host to 9 species of duck and five

shorebirds, an irresistible temptation to the Prairie Falcon thatgave good views to all 18 participants.

Another Prairie Falcon was found on Dave Dunford’s Octo-ber 22 trip to Arivaca. At the cienega, the 14 birders from theUS and Finland observed nine sparrow species, both flickers,and a female Blue Grosbeak in spectacular weather; a drakeWood Duck was a nice find on the Amado Sewage Pond, whereit was still present three days later at the beginning of thePatagonia Lake trip led by Clait Braun. The 70 species ob-served included 8 raptors and both vultures; numerous spar-

rows gave outstanding views as theyfed on abundant dried seeds. At thelake, 20 birders enjoyed multiple vis-ible Soras and four Neotropic Cor-morants, while the highlight of the day’swarbler list was a scarce NorthernParula. Even rarer, a Tennessee War-bler found by Barbara Bickel and RickTaylor lingered at Sweetwater Wetlandsthrough the end of the month.

Ruddy Ground-Doves seem poisedto make a great showing this winter,and Darlene Smyth’s October 29 Tuc-son Audubon trip to agricultural ar-eas in Pinal County enjoyed a maleand a female at the Red Rock feedlot.Thirty-one Red-tailed Hawks wereseen in the course of the day, alongwith numerous American Kestrels.The same areas produced as many asthree White-tailed Kites, FerruginousHawk, and Merlin in the days before

and after the trip; sadly, the Heermann’s Gull found by DougJenness at Arizona City October 28 had moved on.

A Halloween field trip to Catalina State Park, led by AlisonBeringer, turned up such desert specialties as Rufous-wingedSparrow and Curve-billed Thrasher; “the” Red-naped Sapsucker,back at its traditional picnic area sapwells, was a highlight forall seven participants, including a visiting birder from Belgium.A Gray Catbird found by Philip Kline October 17 was one oftwo reported in southeast Arizona this month. The biggest newsfrom Catalina State Park, though, was the Buff-breasted Fly-catcher discovered by Rich Hoyer October 27, a startling placeand season for this high-mountain specialty breeder.

So how can you win at the birding game? Just get out thereand play. ✪

Rufous-winged Sparrow, a southeast Arizona specialtyseen on two recent trips to Catalina State Park

Vireo

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 11

Urban Birds / Aves Urbanas Kendall KroesenCommunications & Permaculture Specialist

Our great appreciation to Eva Pennington for the Spanishtranslation.

Reid ParkReid Park is a large urban park in midtown Tucson. It has

extensive lawns, a rose garden, many non-native trees, and twoponds. It can be quite attractive to birders.

First, it is easy to get to and is a fine place for beginners towork on some common birds. Species like Great-tailed Grackle,Gila Woodpecker and Northern Mockingbird should be presentall the time. Lawns don’t attract a lot of birds, but look on theground for several species of blackbirds, cowbirds, doves, andmaybe even an American Robin. Even if you’re not a beginner,it never hurts to make careful observations of the behaviors orvocalizations of common birds.

Second, many of the trees in the park are quite large. Keepan eye on the trees for House Finches and Verdins. In winter,they should be full of Yellow-rumped Warblers. In spring andfall, migrants like Wilson’sand Orange-crowned War-bler might be movingthrough.

Third, the ponds attracta steady crowd of waterbirds. Great Blue Herons,Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons andother wading birds cansometimes be seen at theedges of the ponds. ABelted Kingfisher may letout a cackle as it patrols thearea. A group of domesticducks and geese are joinedin the winter by many spe-cies of ducks.

Last, in a big green square surrounded by urbanization, younever know what might show up. Unusual gulls and terns some-times stop off at the pond, as did an off-course Tricolored Heron.Eastern species like Hooded Warbler have been known to makean appearance. A few Lewis’s Woodpeckers spend the winter inour area and the park is one of the places they go. Once in awhile an unusual number of mountain species descend to desertvalleys in the winter. A few years ago birders in urban parkswere seeing White-breasted Nuthatches, Steller’s Jays and RedCrossbills in places like Reid Park.

Access to the park is from Country Club Road north of 22nd

Street, or 22nd Street east of Country Club. Next time you’revisiting the zoo, playing golf, taking in a concert at the bandshell, or watching spring training, take your binoculars alongand visit the birds of Reid Park. ✪

Reid ParkReid Park es un parque grandisimo urbano cerca del centro

de Tucson. Tiene prados extensivos, un jardin de rosas, arbolesexoticas y dos estanques. El parque puede ser una buenaoportunidad para observadores de aves.

Primero, está fácil de encontrar y es un lugar dondeprincipiantes pueden practicar la identificación de aves comunes.Siempre presente en el parque son aves como Zanate Mexicano,Carpintero del Desierto y Cenzontle Norteño. Los prados delparque no atraen a muchas especies, pero se ven tordos, vaque-ros, palomas y tal vez un Mirlo Primavera. No obstante si eresprincipiante, no estaria mal que hicieras observaciones de laconducta y vocalizaciónes de aves comunes.

Segundo, muchas de los arboles del parque son grandes.Busqua en los arboles Pinzónes Mexicanos y Baloncillos. En el

invierno, los arboles están llenosde Chipes de RabadillaAmarilla. En primavera yotoño, se ven aves migrantescomo Chipes de Corona Negray Chipes Oliváceos.

Tercero, los estanquesatraen muchas aves acuáticas.En las orillas vea los GarzonesCenizos, Garzas Blancas yPedretes de Corona Negra. UnMartín Pescador Norteño aveces se oye vocalizando. En elinvierno, muchos especies depatos silvestres se juntan con lospatos y gansos domesticadosque siempre ocurren.

Finalmente, el parque es ungran cuadro verde dentro del area urbanizada, y no se sabe queespecies raras pueden llegar. Gaviotas y charranes raros a vecesparan en los estanques, como hizo un Garceta Tricolor una vez.Especies del este como Chipe Encapuchado pueden aparacer.Algunos Carpinteros de Lewis regularmente pasan el inviernoen el parque. De vez en cuando unos de los especies de lasmontañas descienden a las valles desiérticos en el invierno. Hacepocos años atras observadores vieron Sita de Pecho Blanco,Chara Crestada y Pico Tuerto Rojo en los parques de Tucsoncomo en el Reid Park.

Se puede llegar al parque en Country Club Road al norte de22nd Street, o 22nd Street al este de Country Club Road. Laproxima vez que vayas a visitar el parque para ver beisbol de laprimavera, para visitar el zológico, o oir música, trae losbinoculares y visite las aves del parque.

Nombres de aves utilizados en este serie de articulos sontomados de el Guía de Campo a las Aves de Norteamérica, porKen Kaufmann, traducida por Patricia Manzano Fischer. ✪

Large oaks, conifers and eucalyptus trees on the north side of Reid Park

Kendall K

roesen

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12 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Calendar December–January

Friday, December 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Volunteer Day at Simpson Habitat Restoration SiteHelp with habitat restoration tasks. Contact Kendall Kroesenfor details and directions at [email protected] or628-1730.

December 2 – 4, Saturday 2 p.m. – Sunday 2 p.m.Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Workshop: RaptorNatural History and IdentificationBill Clark will present proven field marks and behaviors forraptor identification. Participants stay in Bisbee and fieldworkis in Sulphur Springs Valley, with its large populations of rap-tors. Bill Clark is a photographer, author and lecturer, and hasover 30-years of experience working with birds of prey. $110for non-members of Friends of Buenos Aires NWR; $100 mem-bers. This fee does NOT include meals or lodging. To register,send a check to Friends of Buenos Aires NWR, PO Box 415,Arivaca, AZ 85601, or contact Meg Keoppen [email protected] or 520-398-2065.

Saturday, December 3, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Public Tour: “Desert Holes”Learn more about desert holes and the animals that make themat Mason Audubon Center. We’ll stroll along the trail to exam-ine the many animal holes along the way. Tour is free but pleasecall 744-0004 for reservations. Mason Audubon Center is lo-cated on the southwest corner of Thornydale and Hardy. Seestory on page 15 for more details.

Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Volunteer Day at Simpson Habitat Restoration SiteHelp with habitat restoration tasks. Contact Kendall Kroesenfor details and directions at [email protected] or628-1730.

Thursday night and Saturday morning, December 8 & 10Birding Class: “Watching Birds: Southeast Arizona for New-comers and Novices”Find out what birding is and why southeast Arizona is such agreat place to do it in this Thursday night and Saturday morn-ing course. See story on page 14 for details, and contact CarrieDean to sign up, 622-2230 or [email protected].

Friday, December 9, 6 p.m.Holiday PotluckYou are cordially invited to Tucson Audubon’s Annual HolidayPotluck Party. The speaker for this program will be PeteyMesquitey (Peter Gierlach), known for his radio spots on KXCI,his involvement with Desert Survivors Nursery, and his color-ful poems, songs and stories. More information on page 1. Signup at the Nature Shop, in person or at 629-0510.

Saturday, December 10, 11:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Naturalists Presentations for Kids atBarnes & Noble: “Introduction to Birding”

Join Tucson Audubon to learn some tricks to start identifyingthe birds you see and hear. Learn why watching birds is somuch fun. Foothills Mall Barnes & Noble store, 7325 N. LaCholla Boulevard. Each presentation is in the second floorchildren’s area.

Wednesday, December 14, 8 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Beginning Bird WalkWalks are designed for beginning birders of all ages. For moreinformation, contact Lia Sansom at 744-0004 [email protected].

Thursday, December 15, 5 – 9 p.m.Gathering of the Greens Holiday PartyAnnual gathering of environmental groups at the Historic YAuditorium, across the patio from the Audubon Nature Shopat 300 E. University. Event is free. Food and music are pro-vided. The Audubon Nature Shop will stay open until 9 p.m.Contact Valerie Pullara for additional information, 629-0757or [email protected].

Saturday, December 17, 8 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Beginning Bird WalkWalks are designed for beginning birders of all ages. For moreinformation, contact Lia Sansom at 744-0004 [email protected].

December 17, 11:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Naturalists Presentations for Kids atBarnes & Noble: “Tracks and Scats”In the desert you can see several different types of animal tracks.Join Tucson Audubon to find out what animals make thosetracks, and then make your own animal track story. FoothillsMall Barnes & Noble store, 7325 N. La Cholla Boulevard. Eachpresentation is in the second floor children’s area.

Wednesday, December 21Nature Shop Winter Solstice SaleSpecial hours, special incentives! See details on page 1.

Saturday, January 7, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Public Tour: “What’s for Dinner?”Why do sparrows skulk in grasslands and shrubs while Red-tailed Hawks perch on power poles? Join naturalists at MasonAudubon Center to find out more about how and why birds areselective about habitat. Bring binoculars if you have them andwater for a short trail walk. Call 520-744-0004 to reserve yourspot on this free public tour. More information on page 15.

Wednesday, January 11, 8 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Beginning Bird WalkWalks are designed for beginning birders of all ages. For moreinformation, contact Lia Sansom at 744-0004 [email protected].

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 13

2006 Permaculture Design CourseFebruary and March 2006

Dan Dorsey and instructors from the SonoranPermaculture Guild will teach a five-weekend courseon Permaculture Design in February and March. Thecourse leads to a permaculture certificate and coversall aspects of permaculture design in drylands. Lastyear’s class was completely full, so regis-ter early. To give a high-quality educa-tional experience, we limit the size of theclass to 15 participants. Cost is $650,$595 for early registration (by Decem-ber 1, 2005). Call Dan Dorsey, 624-8030.

2006 Wings Over WillcoxJanuary 12–15, 2006 is drawing near, so mark your

calendars to visit Willcox, Arizona for the 13th AnnualWings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival. Thisexciting weekend of birding and natural history eventswill be fun for the whole family. It offers you the oppor-tunity to visit some of the best birding attractions insoutheastern Arizona and participate in exciting naturalhistory tours and seminars. A complete list of activities,as well as local lodging and restaurants, can be found atthe festival website: www.wingsoverwillcox.com.

The keynote speaker at the Saturday night banquetwill be wildlife biologist Roderick C. Drewien. For morethan 35 years, Drewien has studied the movements, lifehistories, and conservation challenges facing cranes inwestern North America. He will share his extensiveknowledge of the cranes’ annual cycles from their breed-ing grounds, through their spring and fall migration stop-overs, to their wintering areas.

“Early Bird” registration deadline is December 31.Call the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agricul-ture for status of tour availability at (520) 384-2272 or(800) 200-2272.

Thursday night and Saturday morning, January 12 & 14Birding Class: “Watching Birds: Southeast Arizona for New-comers and Novices”Find out what birding is and why southeast Arizona is such agreat place to do it in this Thursday night and Saturday morn-ing course. See story on page 14 for details, and contact CarrieDean to sign up, 622-2230 or [email protected].

Saturday, January 21, 9 a.m.Volunteer Day at Esperanza Ranch Habitat Restoration SiteHelp with habitat restoration tasks. Contact Kendall Kroesenfor details and directions at [email protected] or628-1730.

Saturday, January 21, 8 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Beginning Bird WalkWalks are designed for beginning birders of all ages. For moreinformation, contact Lia Sansom at 744-0004 [email protected].

Saturday, January 21, 11:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Naturalists Presentations for Kids atBarnes & Noble: “Saguaro Story”Join Tucson Audubon to learn about the sentinel of the desert,the saguaro cactus. This giant cactus is not only a symbol of theSonoran Desert, but is also essential to the survival of otherplants and animals. Foothills Mall Barnes & Noble store, 7325N. La Cholla Boulevard. Each presentation is in the secondfloor children’s area.

Saturday, January 21 – March 12Birdspace: A Post-Audubon Artist’s AviaryThe Tucson Museum of Art is pleased to announce its upcom-ing exhibit Bird Space: A Post-Audubon Artists Aviary. See adja-cent box for more information.

Thursday night and Saturday morning, January 26 & 28Birding Class: “Watching Birds: Southeast Arizona for New-comers and Novices”Find out what birding is and why southeast Arizona is such a

great place to do it in this Thursday night and Saturday morn-ing course. See story on page 14 for details, and contact CarrieDean to sign up, 622-2230 or [email protected].

Saturday, January 28, 2006, 11:30 a.m.Mason Audubon Center Naturalists Presentations for Kids atBarnes & Noble: “Skull Session”With a variety of mammal, bird and reptile skulls, Tucson Au-dubon will help you figure out what animals are common toTucson, and how to tell them apart by their skulls! FoothillsMall Barnes & Noble store, 7325 N. La Cholla Boulevard. Eachpresentation is in the second floor children’s area. ✪

Grand Opening—Tucson Museum ofArt’s “Birdspace: A Post-Audubon

Artists Aviary”Curated by David S. Rubin,

Curator of Visual Arts, Contemporary Arts Center,New Orleans

In partnership with the Tucson Museum of Art, TucsonAudubon invites our members to join in the festivitiesfor the private Grand Opening of this unique art exhibiton Friday evening, January 20, 2006 at the Tucson Museumof Art. The Grand Opening will be for Tucson Audubonand Tucson Museum of Art members only. Space is lim-ited to 100 participants. RSVP to Valerie D. Pullara at(520) 629-0757, or [email protected] on orbefore January 13, 2005.

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14 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Education News Carrie Dean, Education Program Manager

Watching Birds: Southeast ArizonaBirding for Newcomers and Novices

Just discovering the joys of birding? Not quite certain ofyour birding abilities? New to southeast Arizona? Then thiscourse is for you! Part of the new Lifelong Birding Series cre-ated by Tucson Audubon and Pima County Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation, “Watching Birds” is the first step in de-veloping your skills as a birder.

Find out what birding is and why southeast Arizona is sucha great place to do it; learn about binoculars, field guides andthe latest tricks and techniques for identifying birds commonand rare—then put it all together on a Saturday morning fieldtrip with your expert instructor!

2005Class: Thursday, Dec. 8, Lew Sorensen Community Center, 6–9 p.m.Field Trip: Saturday, Dec. 10, Agua Caliente Park, 8–11 a.m.

2006Class: Thursday, Jan. 12, Mason Audubon Center, 6–9 p.m.Field Trip: Saturday, January 14, Mason Audubon Center, 8–11a.m.Class: Thursday, January 26, Lew Sorensen Community Cen-ter, 6–9 p.m.Field Trip: Saturday, January 28, Agua Caliente Park, 8–11 a.m.

More Watching Birds classes will be offered March throughJuly 2006.

Each 6-hour course is $45 for Friends of Tucson Audubonmembers, and $70 for others (including members of NationalAudubon). Limited to 10 participants per course. To register,contact Carrie at (520) 622-2230 or [email protected].

Good Partnerships Can Make a HugeDifferenceby Megan Mosby, Executive Director, Liberty Wildlife

For some it is a spiritual experience; for others it is a way ofgiving back to the community; and for yet others it is a chanceto interact with wildlife in a more intimate and non-consump-tive way. No matter what the reason, it has provided manyopportunities for people of all ages to engage positively with thenatural world. The “it” is Liberty Wildlife, a non-profit organi-zation dedicated to nurturing the nature of Arizona throughrehabilitation, education, and conservation services.

Liberty Wildlife, like other conservation organizations, of-fers many opportunities for people in the state to engage inactivities that promote stewardship of wildlife and the habitat itneeds to survive. Incorporated in 1981, it has provided first-class rehabilitation services throughout Arizona. Admitting allnative wildlife has allowed staff and volunteers to care for ani-mals that have been negatively impacted by contacts with civili-zation. They might be shot, hit by car, stolen from parents,

blown off a ledge nest, ousted from their habitat, poisoned, orelectrocuted. Those that can be rehabilitated are released backinto the wild. Others are used in educational programs, breed-ing projects, nature centers or zoos.

Those used in public programs might be seen with our trainededucators who provide over 300 programs a year across thestate. This highly-visible group of volunteers touches hundredsof thousands of people a year at community events, televisionpresentations, scout troops, classrooms for all ages, residentialhousings, and in the print and online newsletter.

The depth of the message depends on the audience, but thetheme is always the same. Wildlife is an important part of acommunity, to be respected and cared for, instead of a com-modity to be abused. Volunteer educators stress the importanceof habitat and the ways a person can protect it. Children areprovided opportunities to see animals up close and are taughtthe importance of protecting our wild neighbors. Replacing fearwith respect is a critical part of the message. We delight incomments like this one from a 5th grade student who sat on thefront row of a presentation. Liberty, our educational Bald Eagle,flapped her wings showing off her great wingspan. The youngman turned to his friend and said, “I was just blessed by thewind from the wing of a Bald Eagle.” He probably won’t everforget that experience.

It is those kinds of delights that will keep young people en-gaged the rest of their lives making a positive difference. OurResearch and Conservation arm is made up of people like that.Biologists and their assistants, interns, and volunteers are solv-ing problems in the real world, helping to avoid negative im-pacts before they occur. Corporations, agencies, and privatecitizens often find themselves at odds with wildlife, almost al-ways to the detriment of protected species. This is where theteam comes into play. Not only have they moved animals out ofharm’s way, but they also have played a major role in educatingthe public to care and appreciate rather than resent the stepsthat must be taken to correct situations.

All in all, Liberty Wildlife is proud to play such a big part insupporting stewardship on a number of levels. Being able toshare our experiences with the five other groups is a great op-portunity to spread the words of compassion and stewardshipto an ever-expanding group of caring people: these include theTucson Audubon Society, Arizona Animal Welfare League, Sec-ond Chance Center, The Phoenix Zoo, and the Grand CanyonTrust. It feels a little like casting a pebble into an ocean with theripples broadcasting the message forever outward. Good part-nerships can make a huge difference. ✪

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 15

Mason Audubon Center News Lia Sansom, Community Outreach Assistant

Who made that hole? Find out at MasonAudubon’s December 3 Public Tourby Doris Evans, Mason Audubon Center Naturalist

Whether you are walking a desert trail or ambling throughyour yard, you notice many holes in the ground. You know thatanimals made these, but which animals? Notice the sizes of theholes. Where are they located? Do you find them under bushesand trees? Do you see them in mounds of dirt? Can you seespider webs in them? Are there trails or tracks leading to andfrom the hole? These clues may help you figure out the answerto your question, “Who made that hole?”

Many rodents excavate burrows. These include the kanga-roo rat, pocket mouse, Harris’ antelope ground squirrel, andround-tailed ground squirrel. It’s hard to believe that spiderscan excavate burrows into the hard-packed desert soil, but theirstrong, long fangs make good digging tools. Most spiders liveabove ground but some—tarantulas, wolf spiders, and trapdoorspiders—spend most of their lives in their underground shel-ters. These are but a few of the desert creatures who survivethe heat of the desert by retreating into the coolness of asheltering burrow.

Have you matched the animal with its hole? The answers areupside down under the photos.

To learn more about desert holes and the animals that madethem, join us at Mason Audubon Center on Saturday, Decem-ber 3 at 8:30 a.m. for a stroll along the trail to examine themany animal holes along the way.

The tour is free but please call (520) 744-0004 for reserva-tions. Mason Audubon Center is located on the southwest cor-ner of Thornydale and Hardy. Please park along the south sideof Hardy Road adjacent to the property.

What’s for Dinner? January 7 Public Tourby Peggy Wenrick, Mason Audubon Center Naturalist

Why do sparrows skulk in grasslands and shrubs while RedtailHawks perch on power poles? Why do Black Phoebes flycatchfrom waterside vegetation and warblers flit in trees? Why arebirds so selective in choosing their habitat?

If you feed birds in your yard, you have already observedone of the primary mechanisms of habitat selection in birds—appropriate food sources. Hang up a thistle-seed feeder andyou’ll get finches on the feeder and quail on the ground. Changeto a fruit feeder and you might see orioles, verdins, and GilaWoodpeckers. Put up a hummingbird feeder and start a hum-mer war on your patio. Remove any of these and, if you don’thave appropriate vegetation, each species will go elsewhere fordinner.

Many birds must migrate to fulfill their food needs. Sometravel north where food is abundant during summer breedingseason and south where sources persist through the winter. Somebirds, like the Phainopepla, travel in the neighborhood track-

1 = B (Gila Woodpecker); 2 = C (Round-tailed ground squirrel); 3 = A (Wolf spider)

ing their favorite food—in this case mistletoe.Join naturalists at Mason Audubon Center on January 7,

2006 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. to meet some choosey birds andfind out more about how and why they are so selective abouthabitat. Bring binoculars if you have them and water for a shorttrail walk. Call (520) 744-0004 to reserve your spot on this freepublic tour. ✪

Who made the hole quiz! Answers below, upside down.

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16 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Audubon Nature Shop Sara Pike, Shop Manager

Wintertime in Tucson…a time characterized by cool, sunnydays and the crisp, clear desert nights…nights most Tucsonanshave grown to look forward to and love after the heat of thesummer. Changes take place letting us know the new season isat hand. Desert mistletoe draws the Phainopepla. Most snakes,lizards and many small rodents are burrowed, protected fromthe weather. Changes have also taken place within the mainTucson Audubon Nature Shop as well. With previous NatureShop manager Susan Birky retired, I’ve been welcomed into theTucson Audubon family and am happily gaining a foothold inthe Nature Shop lifestyle.

I am hoping to continue the legacy of the Nature Shops byserving our member community with both unique, nature-re-lated gift ideas as well as needed items for everyday birding.Below is a small sampling of some new items and holiday giftideas that are available in the main Nature Shop on UniversityAvenue, or will be happily ordered for you.

Note Cards from a Young, Local ArtistWes MacDonald, a 10-year-old from Tucson, happened into

our shop one day asking if we’d be interested in making avail-able his hand-drawn note cards depicting birds. When Wes wasjust 2, his grandfather gave him the book, Audubon’s Master-pieces, and he has been drawing since he was 7. He likes to drawbirds the most. What is his inspiration for selling his note cards?

According to Wes, “I’d like to earn enough money to buy somebaseball cards.” A true businessman at heart! The Nature Shopproudly supports local authors and artists and gladly acceptedWes’ offer. Wes’ cards are available in the shop and each carddepicts a different bird drawing. We can also order more cardsshould our demand become greater than the supply. What awonderful, personal gift! Wes MacDonald’s cards are availablein the main shop for just $3 for a pack of 5 cards.

Life List: DocumentaryThis short documentary on DVD examines the birding ex-

periences of two very different people in a warm-hearted man-ner. It reviews their motivation, their field behavior and theirphilosophy as to why they watch birds. This documentary re-cently won the Best Documentary Short award at the NorthernLights Documentary Film Festival in October 2005. It is sureto grab the hearts and laughs of you or your birding friends!“Life List” is available in the main shop for just $15.

Artist Wes MacDonald

Watching HawksAs many birders know, identifying hawks, especially in flight,

can be a difficult thing to do. With a foreword by David Sibley,the new book by author Jerry Liguori, Hawks from Every Angle,will certainly excite and intrigue the hawk lover in your family

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 17

Shop Parking: There is 1-hour parking directly in frontof the Shop. There is also parking on 5th Avenue northof University Boulevard or on the north side of Univer-sity (residential permit parking, but you can park here9 – 5 weekdays). You can also park on University justwest of 5th Avenue or in the alley east of the building.

Shop Hours: 10 – 4 Monday through Saturday(except open to 5 p.m. Monday & Thursday). ClosedSunday.

Mail Order Available atUniversity Blvd. Shop

If you are unable to get in toour shops, or if you live out oftown, we can mail merchandiseto you. Need a gift for the na-ture lover in your life? Just callus at (520) 629-0510.

or group of friends. The book compares 19 different species indetail and is filled with color photos and plates to identify, andguides the hawk watcher to being able to better identify thatsoaring bird above. Hawks from Every Angle is available in themain shop for just $19.95.

Walking in the DesertWalking in the desert can be considered the Southwest’s ver-

sion of skiing in the mountains. Therefore, walking sticks couldbe considered the ski poles of the desert. For a limited time,The Nature Shop is carrying two types of walking sticks thatdisplay small nature-related graphics. You can have your choiceof a stick depicting colorful graphics of birds or, if you’re atracker, a stick depicting tracks of common animals found inthe Southwest. Either way, carrying a walking stick with youhelps with balance while you walk and provides some style toyour outfit, too! These walking sticks also make a unique giftfor the family member or friend who enjoys walking in thedesert. Walking sticks are available in the main shop for just $24.

We look forward to seeing you in the Tucson Audubon Na-ture Shops soon! ✪

February 11, Keep the Date Open!❖ Membership Appreciation Day at both shops—we’ll

take 20% off your entire purchase (excluding optics).❖ Presentation and book signing at the University Blvd.

shop with author Don Stap of Bird Song. The bookwill be available in the shop for purchase.

Be sure to visit the new Tucson Audubon Nature Shop at Agua CalientePark, open Friday through Tuesday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Julie Gibson

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18 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Registration has begun for the 2006 Institute of Desert Ecol-ogy. We take great pride in the fact that the annual Desert Insti-tute now spans more than three decades. Since that first Insti-tute, over 2,000 individuals have come together to learn andshare experiences, connecting with the natural environment inways both intimate and profound. Last year’s 35th Institute wasno exception, filled with “warmth, humor, brainwaves and bril-liance.” The 2006 Institute will be held April 20–23 at CatalinaState Park.

Dates: All participants are encouraged to set up camp onWednesday, April 19 between 4 and 9 p.m. The Institute ses-sions begin on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 a.m.

Location: The site of the Desert Institute is Catalina StatePark. The spectacular northwest face of the Santa CatalinaMountains forms the backdrop for this 5,500 acre desert parklocated just north of Tucson at elevations ranging from 2,650 to3,000 feet. Desert washes, canyons and bajadas contain a vastarray of desert plants and wildlife. The park is a popular birdingarea and has a bird list of over 150 species seen within itsborders. Our camping area is comfortably shaded by mesquitetrees, adjacent to undisturbed desert washes, canyons, hillsidesand rich riparian areas, and secluded from other campgrounds.Days should be sunny and hot, but expect chilly nights andevenings.

Program: Our study focuses on Sonoran Desert ecosystemswith emphasis on relationships between plants, animals and thephysical characteristics of the desert rather than on classifica-tion and identification. Our days start early and optional activi-ties such as owling, blacklighting for insects, and star talks ex-tend into the evening hours. Participants and faculty interact insmall groups during the first three days. On Sunday, a final hiketies together the experiences of earlier sessions for the entiregroup.

Accommodations & Meals: Participants furnish their owntents or campers. Water is available but there are no electricalor water hookups. To avoid disrupting the peaceful surround-ings, operation of generators is not permitted. Restrooms andshowers are available at the group camping site, and the parkhas holding tank disposal facilities. Ample, tasty meals are ca-tered from an on-site unit, with adequate choices to accommo-date vegetarians. Before early field sessions, a nutritious pre-breakfast snack is available.

Fee & Registration: The fee of $375 per person ($350 forTucson Audubon members) includes park entrance fee and camp-ing from April 19 to April 23. It also includes expert instruc-tion and all meals beginning with Thursday breakfast throughSunday lunch. The Institute ends Sunday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m.A non-refundable deposit of $45 per person must accompanythe registration form. The balance is due by March 10, 2006.Please make checks payable to the Institute of Desert Ecology.No money will be refunded for cancellations received after April7, 2006. Registration is limited to no more than 65 people.

36th Annual Institute of Desert Ecology: April 20-23Participants: Tucson Audubon membership is not required,

but membership entitles you to a discounted price! Participantsshould be at least 18 years of age and in good health. Anyonewith an interest in natural history and desert ecology can par-ticipate. No pets are allowed.

Faculty: Faculty members are experienced at teaching stu-dents with different knowledge levels.

RONNIE SIDNER, Ph.D. (Mammalogy)Consulting Biologist

CARL OLSON, M.S. (Entomology)The University of Arizona

CECIL SCHWALBE, Ph.D. (Herpetology)Ecologist, U.S. Geological SurveySonoran Desert Research Station, University of Arizona

LINWOOD SMITH, Ph.D. (Ornithology and Botany)Ecological Consultant

CARL TOMOFF, Ph.D. (Ornithology and Botany)Prescott College

BOB SCARBOROUGH (Geology)Consulting Geologist

University Credit: One unit of University of Arizona creditis offered through RNR 497B/597B—Desert Ecosystems, foran additional fee. The University of Arizona is an EEO-AAEmployer.

Scholarships: Limited scholarship funds are available. Con-tact the Institute Director for more information (see below).Donations are welcomed and are tax deductible.

Questions?Contact Jessie Shinn, Institute Director

(520) [email protected]

Also see online registration form at:www.tucsonaudubon.org/education

Desert tortoise at the Institute of Desert Ecology

Bob W

enrick

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 19

Registration Form for the Institute of Desert EcologyA non-refundable deposit of $45 per person must accompany the registration form. The balance is due March 10, 2006. Pleasemake checks payable to the Institute of Desert Ecology.

Use a separate registration form for each participant (copy if necessary). Fill out and mail to:Tucson Audubon Society, Institute of Desert Ecology, 300 East University Boulevard, Suite #120, Tucson, Arizona, 85705

Name: __________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: _____________________

State: _____ Zip: ________ Home phone: (_____)___________________ Work phone: (_____)__________________

Email: ________________________

Tucson Audubon Member: ____ Yes ____ No ____ Enclosed is additional $20 ($15 students/seniors) for a 1-year membership.

Study Group AssignmentThe following information will be used to assure a mix of participants in study groups:

Occupation:__________________________________ Special interests or hobbies:__________________________________

Age Group: 18-35 36-60 Over 60

How much previous exposure to natural history have you had, on a scale of 1 (no previous exposure) to 10 (college degree orequivalent)? ________

Try to put me in the same study group with: __________________________________________________

Accommodations_____I will bring a tent and sleeping bag_____I will bring a camper

Camper type:__________________

Other InformationWe compile a roster for distribution to Institute participantsonly. We will include your registration information with name,telephone, occupation and interests. If you do not want yourinformation included mark below.

_____ Please do not include any of my information_____ Please do not include my telephone number_____ Please do not include my occupation or interests

I learned about this program from: _____________________

In case of an emergency, notify:

Name:____________________________________________Address:___________________________________________City:____________________________ State:_____________Home phone (______)_______________________________Work phone (______)________________________________

If my registration is accepted, I understand $45 of the fee is notrefundable. I am at least 18 years of age, in good health andplan to participate in the full Institute program.

Signature: __________________________________

Date:______________________________________

Preliminary ScheduleWednesday4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Registration and camp set-upNo dinner served (Food available near park)

Thursday6:30 a.m. Registration7 a.m. Breakfast7:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sessions and Lunch Break6:30 p.m. Dinner and Optional Sessions

Friday5:30 a.m. Pre-breakfast Snack6 a.m. Field Sessions7:30 a.m. Breakfast8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sessions and Lunch Break4:30 p.m. Final Session6:30 p.m. Dinner and Optional Sessions

Saturday5:30 a.m. Pre-breakfast Snack6 a.m. Field Sessions7:30 a.m. Breakfast8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sessions, Lunch & Opt. Workshops6:30 p.m. Dinner and Optional sessions

Sunday6:30 a.m. Breakfast7:30 a.m. Hike with Sack Lunch2:30 p.m. Institute Ends

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20 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Arizona (& Vicinity) Christmas Bird CountsThe National Audubon Society has conducted Christmas bird

counts since 1900. Volunteers from across North America take tothe field during one calendar day between December 14 and Janu-ary 5 to record every bird species and individual bird encounteredwithin a designated 15-mile diameter circle. These records nowcomprise an extensive database that enables monitoring of win-ter bird populations and the overall health of the environment.

Participants are typically assigned to teams based on their

bird identification skill level and endurance. Many counts holda compilation dinner where results are tabulated and storiesshared. A $5 participation fee defrays a portion of the cost oftabulating and publishing the overall count results. Help is neededon most of these counts, so find one that interests you andcontact the compiler for more information.

More information can be found on the Maricopa AudubonWebsite at maricopaaudubon.org.

Date Count Name Compiler Phone E-mail12/14 Pipe Spring Nat. Monument Andrea Bornemeier (928) 643-7105 [email protected]

Salt/Verde Rivers Kurt Radamaker (480) 837-2446 [email protected]

12/16 Buenos Aires NWR Bonnie Swarbrick (520) 823-4251 [email protected]/Tres Rios Daniela Yellan (602) 942-7791 [email protected]

12/17 Ajo/Cabeza Prieta NWR Curt McCasland (520) 387-6483 [email protected] Valley George Montgomery (520) 682-8530 [email protected] Lake/Yuma Henry Detwiler (928) 343-8363 [email protected] Lake Elaine Morrall (928) 526-1022 [email protected] Michael Bissontz (520) 577-8778 [email protected] Peñasco, Sonora, MX Steve Ganley (480) 830-5538 [email protected] Catalina Mountains Bob Bates (520) 296-5629 [email protected] Mesa Jimmy Videle (928) 537-5144 [email protected]

12/18 Camp Verde Anita MacFarlane (928) 282-4063 [email protected] Valley Russell Duerksen (928) 925-5567 [email protected] Thomas Arny (520) 394-0146 [email protected] Canyon Ted Mouras (520) 803-0221 [email protected] Valley Susan Birky (520) 743-9390 [email protected]

12/21 Prescott Carl Tomoff (928) 778-2626 [email protected]

12/26 Superior Cynthia Donald (480) 283-4515 [email protected]

12/27 Gila River Troy Corman (602) 482-6187 [email protected]

12/28 Green Valley/Madera Canyon Reid Freeman (520) 625-9895 [email protected] NWR Norma Miller (520) 578-1399 [email protected]

12/29 Bill Williams Delta Kathleen Blair (928) 667-4144 [email protected]

12/30 Dudleyville Tracy McCarthey (602) 451-4179 [email protected] River Vanessa Montgomery (623) 465-0012 [email protected]

12/31 Flagstaff/Mount Elden Terry Blows (928) 774-8028 [email protected] Mountains, NM Alan Craig (520) 558-2220 [email protected] Pinta/Cabeza Prieta NWR David Griffin (505) 382-2080 [email protected]

1/1 Elfrida Tom Wood (520) 432-1388 [email protected] Larry Gates (520) 558-1020 [email protected] Dottie Hook (928) 204-1894 [email protected]

1/2 Carefree Walter Thurber (480) 483-6450 [email protected]

1/3 Saint David Tom Wood (520) 432-1388 [email protected]

1/4 Glen Canyon John Spence (928) 608-6267 [email protected] Betsy Feinberg (928) 203-0676 [email protected]

Page 21: Vermilion Flycatcher - Tucson Audubon Society...Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthly except for combined May-June, July-August, and December-January issues.

Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 21

Paul Branson:Restoration Man

by Lia Sansom, Mason Audubon Center Outreach Assistant, andAnn Phillips, Habitat Restoration Project Manager

If you have ever been to one of Tucson Audubon’s volunteerrestoration workdays, you may have met Paul Branson. Paul isthe brains and brawn behind Earthwise Technologies, his ownbusiness that specializes in habitat restoration and permacultureyard design. He and his crew of two, Matt Griffiths and AurelPiantanida, work with Tucson Audubon to help design and imple-ment plans for restoring our sites like the North Simpson Farmand Esperanza Ranch.

Paul has a long history with Tucson Audubon that beganwith studying restoration ecology with Ann Phillips, our Man-

ager of Restora-tion Projects, andworking as acrewmember onsome of the ear-lier projects. AsTucson Audubon’srestoration pro-gram began to ex-pand, a needarose for an orga-nized contractorcrew to focus pri-marily on the “on-the-ground” work.Paul was just theman to developand lead that crew,and his new com-pany EarthwiseTechnologies wasthe perfect venuefor organizing thisspecialized kind ofwork.

Paul has developed innovative techniques for eradicating tum-bleweed using acetic acid (concentrated vinegar); he’s constructedcountless earthen water-harvesting structures; and he is expertat designing and installing really big irrigation systems for ourextensive restoration sites. His ethic of earth care is a deeplyheld value. He often goes beyond the call of duty by volunteer-ing extra time at the restoration sites and the Mason AudubonCenter. When not working at Tucson Audubon restoration sites,he has a number of residential clients who benefit from hisextensive knowledge and creative designs for water harvestingand native plantings. Paul’s input and efforts in restoring habi-tat have been invaluable. Thank you, Paul, for all you do! ✪

Paul Branson of Earthwise Technologies

Kendall K

roesen

As we wander into the holiday season and entertain our win-ter visitants, keep Tucson Audubon in mind and think aboutbuilding one of our educational opportunities into your newyear. Like me, you may rediscover the joy of birding throughone of our adult education courses, or simply make friendswith people of like interests and learn more about the peculiari-ties of birding. Regardless, I hope you enjoy the warmth of theseason and the joy that our shared commitment to birds andtheir habitat brings!

P.S.: Special thanks go out to my esteemed colleagues:Carrie Dean for working so hard to develop the “LifelongBirding Series;” and Scott Wilbor for finding the bird thatinspired this article! ✪

Bashas’ “Thanks AMillion for Friends andNeighbors” Campaign

When you shop at Bashas’ this holiday season, pleaseremember to use your Thank You Card. TucsonAudubon’s group number is 27286. As a Bashas’ cus-tomer, you can link our Group Number 27286 to yourThank You Card and a portion of every Thank YouCard purchase is donated to Tucson Audubon Society.Bashas’ will donate one percent of the total sales linked toeach group’s ID number, up to a $2,500 donation. To getstarted please go to www.bashas.com/charity to signup and shop, shop and shop!

PERCH, continued from page 3

Breakfast at the Institute of Desert Ecology. Consider signing upnow for this four-day course in Sonoran Desert ecology this April

20-23. See story and registration form on pages 18 and 19.

Bob W

enrick

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22 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006

Hughes Federal Credit Union was founded in 1952 to servethe Hughes Aircraft employees in Tucson, Arizona. We still serveHughes Aircraft retirees and Raytheon employees, along withmore than 600 other organizations, including Tucson Audubon.Any member of Tucson Audubon and their family members areeligible to join the Credit Union. Spread the word to your fam-ily and friends letting them know they can join Hughes FederalCredit Union. They can become Tucson Audubon members, ifthey are not already, or they can qualify for Credit Union mem-bership if they live, work, worship or attend school in Tucson.

A partnership between Hughes Federal Credit Union andTucson Audubon was formed in 2000. The two organizationswork together to provide mutually beneficial programs and ser-vices to members. Hughes Federal Credit Union is also pleasedto participate in sponsorship opportunities with Tucson Audu-bon. We became a Tucson Audubon Community Friend in 2004.

Hughes Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial insti-tution and is insured by the National Credit Union Administra-tion (NCUA). We have more than 45,000 members. The ad-vantage to being a member is that members are owners, and asa non-profit organization, unlike other financial institutions.Members also have the opportunity to vote for the board ofdirectors, who volunteer their time to serve on the board.

Hughes Federal Credit Union offers members a full range offinancial products including loans, low-cost insurance programs,savings accounts, checking accounts, Visa check card, Visa creditcards, 24-hour ATMS, eBranch online banking, and mortgageloans. Additional services offered to members are a free creditanalysis to help save you money and improve your credit scoreand free financial seminars. Our service mission is to alwaysmake a positive difference in our members’ financial lives bygiving them extra special service and conveniences.

Investment services are also available by and provide mem-bers with a network of financial planners to manage the pur-chase of stocks, bonds, 401K distribution, retirement planning,wealth accumulation and insurance services.

For your convenience, we have eight branches, one in Phoe-nix and seven in Tucson including: Main Office, 951 E. HermansRoad; East, 280 N. Pantano; Southeast, (UA Science and Tech-nology Park) 9052 S. Rita Road; Northwest, 7970 N.Thornydale Road; Central, 3131 E. Speedway; Voyager ResortOffice, 8701 S. Kolb Road and Member Services Center (lim-ited services—new accounts and loans only) at 977 W. Wetmore.For more information or to become a member, call 794-JOIN.Or we invite you to visit our web site at www.hughesfcu.org. ✪

Community MemberProfile: Hughes Federal

Credit Unionby Elsa Jacklitch, Business Development Representative,

Hughes Federal Credit Union

Jump on our website for easy access to:

● Join or renew your membership.

● Donate to Tucson Audubon Society.

www.tucsonaudubon.org

Yes, I would like tobecome a Friend ofTucson Audubon!

❑ $15 Students/Seniors (62+)❑ $20 One-year membership❑ $35 Two-year membership❑ Additional gift to Tucson Audubon $_______Total amount: $_______

❑ New membership❑ Renewing my membership

❑ Send me email updates about events and issues❑ Do not share my name with other organizations

Method of payment:❑ Check payable to Tucson Audubon Society❑ Mastercard❑ Visa❑ American Express______________________________________Credit Card #______________________________________Signature

Please send this form to:Tucson Audubon Society300 E. University Blvd., #120Tucson, AZ 85705Attention: Donna Jester

We thank you for your generous support of Tucson Au-dubon Society.

NameAddressCity State ZipEmail Tel.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society December 2005–January 2006 23

Thanks & Wishes Valerie Pullara, Development Director

We thank the generosity of the fol-lowing people who have made donations,both for specific programs and generalsupport, while renewing their membershipsand through our Institute of Desert Ecol-ogy Alumni program, Birdathon, work-place giving and business philanthropy:■ Haia Mazuz■ Kathleen Atchison■ Janet Hannestad■ Sylvia and John Enoch Johnson■ Carla and Bill Kirchner■ Edwin Kohlhepp, Jr.■ Carl Krekeler■ Susan Nicholas■ Pastiche Modern Eatery■ Pima County ECAP■ Mary Price and Nickolas Waser

Tucson Audubon Offices◗◗◗◗◗ Two-drawer lateral fileHabitat Restoration Office◗ Trailer to haul small utility vehicleEducation◗ New or gently-used kid-friendly

binocularsMason Audubon Center◗ Solid wheelbarrow tire◗ Soaker hoses◗ Digital projector◗ Yard sale itemsAgua Caliente Nature Shop◗ Storage cabinet, lockable if

possible, 78x36x12”

Current Wish ListCurrent Wish ListCurrent Wish ListCurrent Wish ListCurrent Wish List

Birding Travel from our Business MembersBorderland ToursContact Borderland Tours at 882-7650from Tucson or toll-free at 800-525-7753,or at [email protected], orsee www.borderland-tours.com.

Jan. 12–19, 2006San Blas, Mexico: Jungle & Barranca,$2,295 per personLocated 1,000 miles south of the borderwhere the Sierra Madre Occidentalplunges to the Pacific Ocean in Nayarit,the variety of habitats surrounding SanBlas provides a home for birds like Boat-billed Heron, Rufous-necked Wood-Rail,Bumblebee Hummingbird, CitreolineTrogon, and Russet-crowned Motmot. Allseven nights at one hotel. Cost includesairfare from Phoenix. Leaders: CliveGreen & Rick Taylor.

Jan. 26–Feb. 5, 2006Belize & Chan Chich Lodge, $3,795 perpersonBarrier reef islands, two major Mayanruins, and one of the premier lodges inthe Mayan world are highlights. Amongthe approximately 275 species of birdswe hope to see are such specialties as Ja-biru, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Orange-breasted Falcon, Ocellated Turkey, Stygian

Owl, and Keel-billed Motmot. Leaders:Chris Sharpe and David MacKay.

Nature Treks and PassagesContact Rochelle Gerratt at 696-2002,[email protected], or seewww.naturetreks.net for informationabout these and other trips.

February 25–March 5, 2006Copper Canyon Birding, $2,349See neo-tropical species such as EaredQuetzal and Russet-crowned Motmot.Activities include a river float trip nearthe colonial town of El Fuerte, the spec-tacular Copper Canyon train to Creel,and three days in Batopilas, deep withinthe canyon. View the itinerary and spe-cies list at www.naturetreks.net/dbgcc.htm.

Feb. 10–12, 2006Birds and Pottery in Mata Ortiz, $599Bird at Whitewater Draw near Willcox, andcross the border south of Bisbee to the fa-mous pottery village of Mata Ortiz inMexico. Stay at a comfortable inn in thisrustic village. Plenty of time to watch a pot-tery demonstration and shop at potters’homes & galleries. Visit the prehistoric ruinsof Paquime and bird along the river inCasas Grandes. See the itinerary and spe-

■ Darlene Smyth■ David Yetman

In-kind donations:■ Peggy Aughenbaugh, 6 boxes of birdslides and a lithograph of Walpi (HopiFirst Mesa)■ Carol Dewaard, 3 prints for our Holi-day Raffle■ Anonymous, signed Peter Parnell,Roadrunner print

In loving memory of Anna Wainger, byher friends:■ Margaret and C. A. Nugent■ Anne and Elmon Sapp■ Ed and Mary Caldwell■ Suzanne and Gerald Bouwens■ The MacDonald families ✪

cies list at www.naturetreks.net/Mata_Ortiz_Birding_Pottery1.htm.

Victor Emanuel NatureTours, Inc.Contact information: (800) 328-8368,[email protected], www.ventbird.com

January 15–21, January 29–February4, and February 6–12, 2006Short West Mexico,Our comfortable stay at RanchoPrimavera, a well-appointed guest ranchjust south of Puerto Vallarta, will be thehospitable base for explorations of di-verse habitats rich in endemic birds.Cost: $1695 per person, double occu-pancy, from Puerto Vallarta. Leaders:Marshall Iliff (January 15–21); BrianGibbons (January 29–February 4 andFebruary 6–12).

February 14–23, 2006Panama: The DarienA true wilderness adventure to arguably themost important reserve in Central America.All of the large birds and mammals still sur-vive in this region, plus an amazing arrayof endemics and species hard to find any-where. Cost: $2,895 per person double oc-cupancy from Panama City, Panama. Lead-ers: David Wolf and Hernan Arauz. ✪

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Tucson Audubon Society300 E. University Blvd., #120Tucson, AZ 85705

The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the Tucson AudubonSociety. You may receive the newsletter by joining the Friends ofTucson Audubon. See membership form on page 22.

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTUCSON, AZ

PERMIT #1345

Tucson Membership MeetingDuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center, 7 p.m.

Monday, January 9, 2006“There’s a Bobcat in My Backyard! How to Live With & Enjoy Ur-ban Wildlife—Even When it Destroys Your Garden,”by Jonathan Hanson

How do I discourage javelinas in my garden? Can I move snakes? Are bobcatsdangerous? What are the best plants for attracting birds? Should I stop feeding birdsin summer? Pesky woodpeckers? Are packrats driving you to madness? If you’veasked these or any other questions about life in the Sonoran Desert, Jonathan Hanson’sbook There’s a Bobcat in My Backyard has the answers. He’ll share them and more inhis lively and humorous slide presentation. His book, co-published by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and UA Press, is full of resources for newcomers and old-timers alike. You can preview the book at the new website www.DesertNewcomer.com.

Jonathan and Roseann Hanson are partnering with Arizona Game and Fish’sUrban Wildlife Program, Audubon, and Tucson Botanical Gardens to help peoplelearn about the stickier issues of dealing with urban wildlife. Elissa Ostergaard,Urban Wildlife Biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will be presentto help answer questions. ✪

Green Valley Membership MeetingPima County–Green Valley (Conrad Joyner) Library, 10 a.m.(arrive at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and cookies)

Saturday, January 21, 2006“Ivory-billed Woodpecker: Search Efforts and Extinction Theory,” by Mary Scott

In 1999, Mary Scott heard about an exciting development in Louisiana. Aftermonths of preparation, she joined her first Ivory-billed Woodpecker expedition in2000. She will discuss various searches, years fielding Ivorybill reports, her ownsighting in 2003, and her role in the “verified” sightings recently made public by theCornell Lab of Ornithology. She will also discuss extinction theory as it relates tothe Ivory-billed Woodpecker, and reflect on chances the species will survive intoanother century.

Mary Scott left corporate America in 1999 and started Birding America. Photo-essays from more than 190 birding hotspots in 22 states can be found at her website: www.birdingamerica.com. Mary lives in Arivaca, and is the bird and wildlifephotographer for the Arivaca Artists’ Cooperative. She is also the creator and keeperof the Desert Light Labyrinth. ✪

Speedway Blvd.

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○ ○ ○

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

DirectionsTucson Parking: There is parking, fora fee, in the multi-tiered Patient/Visi-tor parking structure close to the au-ditorium at UMC. Free parking (af-ter 5 p.m.) is available south of MabelStreet and west of Warren (see map).

Green Valley: The public library is at601 N. La Canada. From I-19 takeexit #69, Duvall Mine Rd., go west toDuvall Rd., go left on La Canada, righton Desert Bell Rd. Go ½ block, turnleft and stay left for the library.

More Program Information: ContactDonna Jester at 629-0757, [email protected].