Vermilion

Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org

f l y c a t c h e r
55, Number 5
May–June 2010 | Volume 54, 3

Celebrating
Centerfold
four-page
Special

Our Birds

17 Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed

Thrashers, and Cholla Cacti
11 A Bounty of Birds
12 What’s in a Name? Grace’s Warbler

T u c s o n A u d u b o n ’ s b i - m o n t h l y N e w s Ma g a z i n e

Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving
the quality of the environment by providing
education, conservation, and recreation programs,
environmental leadership, and information. Tucson
Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of
people with a common interest in birding and natural
history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library,
and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which
benefit all of its programs.
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705
629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax)
All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated.
www.tucsonaudubon.org
Board Officers & Directors
President Herb Trossman
Vice President Mich Coker
Secretary Robert Merideth
Treasurer Lindsey Quesinberry
Directors at Large Mary Kay Eiermann, Richard Fray,
Sandy Elers, Julie Gordon, Linda Greene, Craig Marken, Neil
Markowitz, Liz Payne, Cynthia Pruett, Bill Roe, Jessie Shinn,
Linda Stitzer
Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie,
Development Sandy Elers, Education Cynthia Pruett,
Membership Jessie Shinn, Finance Lindsey Quesinberry,
Personnel Mich Coker, Nominating Vacant
Programs & Activities
Field Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315
Library David West
Membership Meetings Jean Barchman
629-0510
629-0510
Rare Bird Alert Andrew Core | Report Rare Birds 629-0510
Staff (unless otherwise stated, dial 629-0510 plus extension)
Executive Director Paul Green ext 7001
Finance and Operations Brad Paxton ext 7014
Accountant Michelle Bourgeois ext 7003
Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman ext 7002
Special Projects Erin Olmstead ext 7009
Education & Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks ext 7007
IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor ext 7004
IBA Program Assistant Samantha Barnett ext 7005
Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen ext 7006
Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909
Restoration/Communications Specialist
Matthew Griffiths 971-7924
Restoration Specialist Andy Bennett 891-9446
Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom ext 7013
University Shop Manager Sara Pike ext 7008
Volunteer Coordinator/Agua Caliente
Shop Manager Becky Aparicio ext 7011
Tucson Audubon Nature Shops
300 E University Blvd #120 629-0510
623-3476 fax / 629-0510 Shop Manager
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 am–4  pm (5 pm Mon & Thu)
Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881
Hours: 9 am–3:30 pm Thu, Fri, Sat
Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly. For address
changes or subscription problems call 629-0510, or write
to Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E.
University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions are
due the 1st of the month, two months before the date of the
issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF
documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at mgriffiths@
tucsonaudubon.org.
Coordinator Matt Griffiths 971-7924
Proofreaders Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 and
Tucson Audubon staff and board members
Design/Layout Eng-Li Green
2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
Features
11 A Bounty of Birds: Our Lowland to
Highland Breeders
12 What’s in a Name? Grace’s Warbler
13 Celebrating Southeast Arizona’s
Birds • The Joy of Birding
• Staff Favorites • The Vulnerability
of U.S. Birds to Climate Change
17 Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed
Thrashers, and Cholla Cacti
Departments
3 Commentary
4 News Roundup
8 Events and Classes
10 Living With Nature
10 Events Calendar
18 Conservation and Education News
20 Field Trips
23 Birding Travel from our Business Partners
24 Classified Ads
25 Birds & Business Alliance
25 Conservation Corner
26 Nature Shops
27 Product Review
Economics of Open Space Conservation
Guest opinion from an original piece by Paul Kerlinger, presented at the 1995 Partners in Flight (PIF)
International Workshop, “Partners in Flight Conservation Plan: Building Consensus for Action.”
Developers often state that conservationists do
not understand the economics of community
development. In truth, not many developers
are willing to understand the long-term impacts
of development on the economic stability of a
community, nor that the development of open space
is often more costly than conserving it.
Meanwhile, the protection and survival of
Neotropical migratory birds depends on the amount
and quality of habitat that remains available to
them. Arguments such as protection of biodiversity,
wetlands, watersheds, and endangered and
threatened species, as well as aesthetic arguments
relating to preservation of beautiful scenery, leave
many people unmoved. The use of economic
information and arguments has become an
important tool for conservationists.
Open-space conservation often contributes
to controlling taxes. The cost of services rises
above income from property taxes, forcing local
governments to raise taxes and to seek federal
subsidies. Yet real estate developers still manage to
convince our officials that the houses they build will
generate beneficial tax revenues for the community.
Some of the most important areas for wildlife
offer economic opportunities, attracting large
numbers of ecotourists who spend billions of dollars
annually to watch and enjoy wildlife. For ecotourism
to be a sustainable form of economic endeavor, we
VERMILION
Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org
F L Y C A T C H E R
55, Number 5
May–June 2010 | Volume 54, 3
Celebrating
CENTERFOLD
FOUR-PAGE
SPECIAL
Our Birds
17 Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed
Thrashers, and Cholla Cacti
11 A Bounty of Birds
12 What’s in a Name? Grace’s Warbler
TUCSON AUDUBON’S BI-MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE
Front cover: Costa’s Hummingbird photographed
by Joan Gellatly in her midtown Tucson backyard. See
more of Joan’s avian images at www.flickr.com/photos/
joangee.
To have your photographs considered for use in the
Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at
mgriffiths@tucsonaudubon.org.
must protect the natural resources upon which this
industry depends.
Open space protection maintains property
values: values near refuges and preserves are
often higher than those of properties surrounded by
houses.The National Association of Home Builders
estimates that parks and recreation areas can
increase the value of nearby building sites by up to
20 percent.
Open space encourages groundwater recharge,
and protects groundwater from pollution because
septic systems often fail to cleanse the water
before returning it to the ground. The resulting
polluted ground water in suburban situations needs
expensive treatment. Meanwhile, more trash
accumulates from more houses, and as demand
for landfill space increases, so fees for taxpayers
increase. Undeveloped land enables community
taxpayers to avoid social, economic, and
environmental problems associated with landfills
and trash removal.
Economic arguments can be important, powerful
tools for protecting habitat and the birds that live
there. Economic arguments can make sense and
can be difficult to refute. We should incorporate
them into comprehensive strategies that emphasize
aesthetics, quality of life, biodiversity, endangered
and threatened species, and ecosystem
protection  VF
 Commentary
Paul Green | Executive Director
The Value of Our Birds
Birds, climate, the Sonoran desert
habitats, and quality of life: these are
the reasons most of us choose to spend
at least some of our lives in southeast
Arizona. Spring builds our excitement: the
greening of the desert with extraordinary
winter rains this year (at 4.5 inches, the
eleventh wettest first quarter on record)
adds to the thrill of hearing those calls
that we had been missing. Each day
brings new sounds, and the visible
migration reminds us that some of our
more special birds have been returning.
(Checking Tucson Audubon’s free Rare
Bird Alert is a good way to keep up to
date.) Now is the time to take advantage
of the Birdathon and Tucson Bird Count
to get outside and go birding.
Birds lift our spirits, giving us a
window into worlds beyond our human
preoccupations. Birds also provide
ecological services, reducing numbers
of insects that might reduce food yields,
pollinating plants that bring seeds and
fruits from which animals and people
benefit. (National Pollinator Week in June
will focus our attention on this aspect of
our birds, see p 8.)
Birds also add an enormous economic
value to our region through the wallets
of visiting birders from around the world.
Our US Fish and Wildlife Service provides
survey data on the value of wildlife every
five years, at the request of state fish
and wildlife agencies, to measure the
Paul & Eng-Li Green
Western Tanager
Birds lift our spirits,
giving us a window
into worlds beyond our
human preoccupations.
Birds also provide
ecological services and
add enormous economic
value to our region
through visiting birders.
importance of wildlife-based recreation to
the American people.
The most recent report from 2006
puts the value of visiting wildlife watchers
in Arizona at $1.4 billion, supporting
more than 15,000 jobs with $318 million
paid in salaries, wages, and business-
owner income. More detailed analysis
by Southwick Associates of an earlier
report from 2001 sliced those data down
in several ways. (Read the report on our
website at www.tucsonaudubon.org,
under Conservation News on the right
hand side).
It follows that preserving wildlife
habitat is good for jobs. And while
these data make us sit up and view
“non-consumptive uses” of wildlife in a
different way, it changes other things
too. For example, it creates natural
alliances between some businesses with
organizations that work to save the best
habitat from degradation and destruction.
First, it seems natural for those
Painted Redstart
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3
businesses that provide
accommodations and food to partner with
us and support our work, since wildlife
watchers patronize these businesses.
That’s why we launched Tucson
Audubon’s Birds & Business Alliance in
2008 to promote businesses who support
birds through their progressive approach
to doing business. We hope that you will
review the members of our Alliance (see
p 25) and choose to use them over their
competitors because of their progressive
approach to business. In March, Tucson
Audubon also joined the newly launched
Tucson Green Chamber of Commerce as
another way to support businesses that
work to sustain our natural environment.
We’ll also be hosting the Green Chamber
for a mixer at the Historic YMCA in July.
Natural partnerships with progressive
businesses who work to improve our
natural environment as a central value
in their business models will help ensure
the quality of life for which we work
in southeast Arizona. It is in all of our
interests to support these businesses.
Every decision we each make that relates
to consumption or purchase can have a
positive effect on our natural world. Let’s
make sure that we work to sustain the
golden goose, the wildlife of southeast
Arizona, the habitat we all need, the air
that we breathe, and the water we drink.
When it comes to our birds, there’s lots to
value, and lots to celebrate. 
VF
Right two photos George West
Pyrrhuloxia
 Tucson Audubon
News Roundup

IBA Surveys in the Patagonia Mountains—

Focus on Canyons of Pine/Oak Habitat
Scott Wilbor, Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
All photos Scott Wilbor

IBA bird surveyor extraordinaire, Kelly Fleming, records data in a remote upper canyon of the Patagonia Mountains “High Range” in June 2009. Numerous populations of species of
conservation status have been documented in this range by our Audubon IBA Program surveys.

June 17–19
The Arizona Important Bird Areas
Program returns to the Patagonia
Mountains on June 17–19th for
additional surveys in the “High Range”
and its bird-rich canyons of pine
and oak. Since 2008 we have been
documenting the high occurrence of
bird species of conservation status
within this special unprotected area
within the Coronado National Forest.
We will use this information to propose
to our Arizona IBA Science Committee
that this area be identified as a state
Important Bird Area. Further, we
will advocate with the U.S. Forest
Service for special management to
benefit these bird populations. We
are most concerned with habitat
protection for Spotted Owl, Northern
Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Elegant
Trogon, Montezuma Quail, Arizona
Woodpecker, small owls, and also
the certain hotspots of bird diversity
around springs and in groves of tall
pines with Arizona madrone.
The upcoming survey is a primitive
(vehicle-based) camping trip and
strenuous in nature. But the rewards
of the birds found can be stunning.
The trip will be two nights’ camping
together as a group, with teams
of two, assigned to survey canyon
drainages within our study area. IBA
bird surveyors need to have past IBA
workshop training or have previous
experience with similar bird monitoring
programs, and be of intermediate or
above level in birding skills (especially
for auditory detections). Contact: Scott
Wilbor, AZ IBA Program Conservation
Biologist (629-0510 ext. 7004).

Conservation Champion: Bill Roe

Paul Green, Executive Director

Bill Roe, long-time supporter and Among many other significant

board member of Tucson Audubon
received the Conservation Champion
Award from the Arizona League of
Conservation Voters (ALCV) during an
Earth Night celebration on April 22.
Bill has been influential within
Tucson Audubon for more than three
contributions, Bill established our
first nature store on N. Tucson Blvd,
later moving the organization HQ to
larger quarters, giving us a central
location for our library, nature store,
volunteers, field trip departures, and
a more concerted advocacy program.
Paul & Eng-Li Green

decades. Bill served on our Board of
Directors shortly after he and his wife
Alice arrived in Arizona in 1975. He
served two terms as President in the
early 1980s, and served again on our
Board over the last decade, retiring
this year.
This critical juncture in the history of
the growth of the organization set us
ahead of other chapters across the
country in terms of members, staff,
and influence. Tucson Audubon board member Bill Roe recently received the first Conservation
Champion Award from the Arizona Leagure of Conservation Voters.
He is pictured above with ALCV President, Rosalind O’Connell.

4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010

 Summer
Sunset Live!
Live Music at The
Mason Center
June 12 • 6–9:30 pm
Mark your calendars for evening of
Saturday, June 12 when Wayback
Machine, A Ray of Hope Band,
and others will hold a live concert
at Tucson Audubon’s Mason
Center to benefit the center. Bring
a chair and your dancing shoes!
Visit tucsonaudubon.org for more
information as the details develop.
Bob Wenrick
Pollinators in Action
Photography Contest
Amateur and professional
photographers resident in Arizona
are invited to take part in a digital
photography contest. The contest is
part of the National Pollinator Week
celebration (see p 8) organized
by Pollinator Partnership, Tucson
Audubon, Bat Conservation
International, and Tohono Chul Park.
Your subject should be any live
pollinating animal(s) visiting native
or cultivated flowering plants found
in the state during 2010. There will
be a Grand Prize winner, as well as
First, Second, and Third Place and
Honorable Mention in both amateur
and professional categories. Entry
Period: April 22–June 1. The award
ceremony will be held June 26 at
at Tohono Chul Park. Winning and
finalist images will be on display at
the Park June 21 to July 5 (closed
June 27 and July 4). Visit www.
tucsonaudubon.org/news-events/
events.html for more details.
Ironwood Festival 2010
Saturday, May 15 • 8 am–1 pm
Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center
SW corner, Thornydale and Hardy Rd • 520-971-6238 FREE!
8:30–11:30 am
Presentations
8:30 am
Birds of the Ironwood Forest
Paul Green, Tucson Audubon Society
Native Trees and Carbon Sequestration
Jane Poynter, The Local Trust
9:30 am
Ironwood Forest National Monument
Lahsha Brown, Friends of Ironwood Forest
Native Plants and Their Pollinators
All Photos Kendall Kroesen
Cynthia Reiners, Arizona Native Plant Society
10:30 am
Flora of the Ironwood Forest National Monument
John Wiens, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona: Herp Heaven GREAT
FOR
Ed Moll, Tucson Herpetological Society. KIDS
LIVE
HERPS!
8:30–11:30 am
Trail Walks Led by Desert Harvesters
Edibles in the Ironwood Forest
8 am–12 noon
Kids’ Activity Booths
Tucson Audubon Society—Bird ID and migration games
Friends of Ironwood Forest
Bureau of Land Management: Ironwood Forest
National Monument
Arizona Native Plant Society—Make native bee houses
Tucson Herpetological Society—Live snakes
8 am–1 pm
Natural History Used Book Sale Huge
Field guides, plant guides, essays, and more! Variety of
Books
12–1 pm Come
Lunch with A Ray of Hope Band Early!
Bring a lunch or buy a hot dog and enjoy the music!
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
 Tucson Audubon
News Roundup Birthday Fund
Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator

Fight Climate Change at the Tucson Audubon would like to wish the mission of Tucson Audubon. To

Vermilion Flycatcher / Richard Fray

you a Happy Birthday and share in
Mason Center your celebration by sending you a
Kendall Kroesen, Urban Sustainability Program Manager specially designed birthday card.
You will also be invited to share in
the celebration by making a gift to
Jane Poynter
receive the card, we will need your
birth date; year is optional. You may
call Jean Barchman at 629-0510 or
email jbarchman@tucsonaudubon.
org. Best wishes to you.

Welcome new members!

Jane Poynter will speak about carbon sequestration at the Ironwood Festival on May 15,
at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center. One of the original Biospherians, she is also an
adventurer, researcher, author, and educator. Learn more at www.janepoynter.com.
Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center
is fighting climate change in a new
way—carbon sequestration—by
planting trees to absorb carbon
dioxide. The trees are mesquites and
palo verdes provided by The Local
Trust.
The Local Trust runs a carbon
offset program that allows you to
calculate the carbon footprint of your
travel plans or other activities and
neutralize it through an offset. The
offsets include planting trees that
absorb carbon dioxide, as well as
installing solar water heaters that
reduce the use of natural gas for
hot water.
The Local Trust’s website (www.
thelocaltrust.org) lets users select
Tucson Audubon’s urban bird habitat
program as their preferred carbon
offset. The Trust then makes the trees
available to Tucson Audubon.
The first batch of trees is available
now and we invite you to come and
help us plant them at the Mason
Center. You will receive a useful
lesson in rainwater harvesting. On
Saturday May 8 we will be preparing
the ground for planting by building
rainwater harvesting basins and
digging planting holes. Contact Paul
Green if you would like to take part
(620-0510 ext. 7001, or pgreen@
tucsonaudubon.org).
Then at Tucson Audubon’s
Ironwood Festival on Saturday May
15 (see p 5 for details), there will be a
presentation by Jane Poynter of The
Local Trust on carbon sequestration.
Following the presentation attendees
will have the opportunity to help
Tucson Audubon plant more trees.
When you attend the Ironwood
Festival, look for this presentation
and then come help us plant the final
two trees!
Carbon sequestration is just one
of several sustainability techniques
demonstrated at Tucson Audubon’s
Mason Center. Others include
photovoltaic electricity production,
rainwater harvesting, desert-adapted
landscaping, and composting toilets.
Ruby Altamirano, Jackie Anderson, Jane Ash, Jeffrey Auerbach, R. Glenn
Austin, Sharon Bale, Beth Barrasso, Belinda Barrington, Sandi Bartell,
Nancy Bevens, Margot Bissell, Marge Blaine, Sharon Bochish, Dorothy
Boone, Richard Brandt and Mary Adams, Sissy Brown, Eva Cardenas,
Mindy Cavanaugh, Harold Clapp, Craig D. Cloyed, L. Marie Conley, Katy
Considine, Caroline Conway, Gary and Katy Couillard, Reyna Cruz, Joan
Czapalay, Anne De Corey, Sean Dougherty, Elizabeth Dudley, John Edwards,
Kat Enns, Dottie Eshbaugh, Charles Erickson, Ann Esmas, Catherine
Fagan, Fred Fox, Glenn and Catherine France, Sharon Frankland, Amy
Freeman, Tom Ganser and Deb Thalasitis, B. Garlough, Barbara Gfroerer,
Eleanor Gladding, Linda Gleason, Debra Golden-Davis and Avery Davis, Jo
Greenmeyer, Kathy Hannan and Neal Ullestad, Orville and Betty Hansen,
Betty Harris, Richard E. Harris, Rocky Harrison, Art Herman, Larry and Lise
Hicks, Susan Hittson and Cynthia Myers, Kim Huxman, Charles Imboden,
Dr. Alfred Ingerick, Alison Laso Isenberg, Anita Jones, Bob Koons, Blainey
Korff, Anita Landess, Ed Lawrence, Ronald Libby and Jan Miller, Arianna
Martinez, Richard and Jacqueline Matner, Patricia J. McConnell, Hugh
McFadden and Constance Myslik-McFadden, Janet McGiffin, Carly McKean,
Judy Meister, Patty Michak, Ray Miller, Lesly Moran, Elizabeth Morgan,
Emily Morris, Jazmine Nault, James Neel, Ellen Nicoletti, Alissa Ojeda, John
Padalino Kimberly Peers, Jan Pennington, Dadie and Norman Perlov, Brian
and Jane Peterson, Tom and Michele Peterson, Steve Peugh, George Profeta,
Barbra Quade, Dr. Mary Rimsza and Dr. David Mott, Deb Risinger and Sal
Risinger, Patricia Rogers, F. Peter Rose, Ken Ross, Terry Russi, Katherine
Scoggin-Sobonya, Gary and Barbara Shelton, Samantha Sheriff, Kathy
Sjogren, Melvin Slanina, Josiah Smith, James and Sandra Stamson, Savannah
Thomas, Cynthia Torres, Alexander Trejo, Thora Vervoren, Greer Warren,
Marion Weber and Dan Smith, Novalyn Winfield, Peter and Elizabeth Zeh
Gift Memberships: Selena Barlow, Don Walters
Gifts In Memory, Received with thanks.
Donations in Memory of Betty Bobryk Green (mother of Paul Green):
Susan Ketterlinus, Chong family
Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator

6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010

 VOLUNTEER OF THE Month
Volunteer News Roundup

Jean Barchman
Becky Aparicio, Volunteer Coordinator There are few volunteers who
spread their volunteer effort as
widely as Rosie Bennett. She’s
Becky Aparicio

given us three years of effort in the

“Birds in the Trees” game at Arizona Trail Association’s family day in Colossal Cave
Mountain Park.
New Volunteers:
Mona Jones – Shop and Special
Events
Ruth Romano – Shop and Special
Events
Hyatt Simpson – IBA
Daryl Herman – IBA
Thanks
Thanks to all who helped with the
Tucson Festival of Books in mid-
March. Our first participation in this
mega-community event brought in
seven new members, sold lots of
products, hosted three authors, and
spread the Tucson Audubon message
in two intense but satisfying days.
Special thanks to Jessie Shinn for
spearheading this first for Tucson
Audubon, and a very special mil
gracias to all the board members
and volunteers who managed the
hundreds of visitors to our booth.
April was Earth Month, with
eight additional events handled with
cheerful willingness to pull weeds,
bike/bird, educate families, and share
literature at tabling events. Many of
you were also committed to count
four-hour time slots, and a floater
who would be on call when needed.
Retail sales experience and birding
knowledge would be a plus, with
strong people-skills, pleasant phone
manner, basic computer knowhow,
and a willingness to learn new skills
to help in our growing web and phone
mail-order business.
May 8—IBA Stewardship Volunteer
Event on International Migratory
Bird Day. Saturday morning, 7–11 am.
Tanque Verde Wash at Wentworth
Rd. crossing. Three simultaneous
activities: IBA Team(s) Restoration by
Tucson Audubon volunteers; major
Arundo donax (invasive plant species)
removal; Outreach – event table set
up at roadside wash crossing with big
sign, flyers and brochures to hand out.
Lots of volunteers with diverse skills
needed for this comprehensive event.
For complete information see p 8.
May 15—Ironwood Festival at
Mason Center and HUGE Book
Sale. 8 am–noon; Two enthusiastic
volunteers are needed to set up tables
and put out pre-priced and labeled
mailing crew, sales support for shop
off-site sales, and has become the
backbone for the silent auction at
our annual Gala. Rosie also gives
fund-raising experience to the
Tucson Symphony and is a reading-
literacy tutor for Literacy Volunteers
of Tucson.
Indiana born and now retired
from financial services consulting,
she now calls Tucson home where
her son, Andy, also lives and works
as a restoration specialist for Tucson
Audubon. Her birding began in her
back yard but became serious in the
early ’90s after she joined a local
raptor rehabilitation organization
as a rescuer. She’s been an avid
birder with favorite spots in St.
David—at the Holy Trinity Monastery
on the San Pedro River—and in the
Cave Creek/South Fork area of the
Chiricahuas. She knows how to pick
the best birding sites!
Her birding expeditions
have given her some terrific
memories—like a bear approaching
her and her friends during a picnic
in the Chiricahuas, and spotting
a mountain lion crossing the road
Give to Tucson Audubon When
You Shop at Albertson’s
Erin Olmstead, Special Projects
Tucson Audubon is participating in
Albertson’s Community Partners
Program. There is no cost to get
involved. Clip out this temporary card
or call Jean Barchman at 629-0510 to
while driving up the Sandia Crest in
New Mexico. While on a fall hiking
trip in Indiana she came upon 30-40
Eastern Bluebirds in a tree, calling it
a spectacular sight! She reports that
her favorite bird/raptor is the Ornate
Hawk Eagle seen on a trip to Belize
where she saw a mating pair in the
trees.
Rolling stones gather no moss
and none shall gather on Rosie as
she additionally enjoys classical,
Balkan and flamenco music, and
dancing. Her other passion is
collecting mineral specimens, and
what better place to do that than in
Tucson. As Rosie says, “Birds and
minerals—I love it here.”
get your permanent key tag. Scan it at
the check-out register each time you
shop at Albertson’s, and we will earn
1% of your purchases! Thanks for
your support in this campaign!  VF

birds and raise funds for Birdathon
throughout this month.
Volunteer Needs
May and June—Well, what can I say:
super exciting with lots of opportunities
for volunteers! Call or e-mail Becky
at 629-0510 ext 7011, 760-7881, or
baparicio@tucsonaudubon.org
Permanent Needs. Main Shop retail
sales with openings for specific
You are a treasure beyond measure!
books. All you need is to smile, take
cash, and say thanks. See p 5 for
more information.
June 26—National Pollinator Week
at Tohono Chul Park. 9 am–4 pm.
Children’s Ramada and Sonoran Temporary Scan Card
Seasons Garden Ramada with
TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY
assorted pollinator/plant/conservation
related exhibitors (see p 8).
490010 25055
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
 Tucson Audubon

Kendall Kroesen
Events and Classes

TogetherGreen International Migratory

Bird Day Volunteer Event
Tanque Verde Creek • Saturday, May 8, 7–11 am
Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager
Scott Wilbor, Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
Scott Wilbor

Kendall Kroesen
Clockwise from above: Tanque Verde Creek; Samantha Barnet; Tanque Verde wash; TogetherGreen volunteers

Under the auspices of TogetherGreen and
coinciding with International Migratory Bird Day,
our efforts to remove invasive giant reed (Arundo
donax) wil move out of Sabino Canyon and into
other washes. On May 8 we will be in Tanque
Verde Creek at Wentworth Road. There will be
three activities. IBA teams with other volunteers will
be mapping riparian “threats” (including giant reed)
with GPS, digital photos, and field notes. Other
teams will be removing stands of the giant reed
near Wentworth Road. Work involves lopping and
removing reeds, and digging out and and bagging
roots. An outreach table will be set up with a big
sign, flyers, and brochures to hand out to drivers
Kendall Kroesen
and others passing by. We’ll have a spotting scope
and binoculars available for use. We hope to reach
many folks who live in the area and who may know
little about invasive plants and the importance of
the area to birds.
TogetherGreen (www.togethergreen.org) is a
program of National Audubon, funded by Toyota.
To map threats contact Scott Wilbor at 209-1804
or swilbor@tucsonaudubon.org. To remove giant
reed contact Kendall at 971-2385 or kkroesen@
tucsonaudubon.org. To help with outreach contact
Becky Aparicio at 209-1811 or baparicio@
tucsonaudubon.org.

Celebrate National Pollinator Week in the Sonoran Desert

White-winged Dove / Paul & Eng-Li Green

Tohono Chul Park • Thursday–Saturday, June 24–26

In June, Tucson Audubon partners with Tohono
Chul Park, Bat Conservation International, and
the Pollinator Partnership to present a celebration
of native pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds, and
bats) and native Sonoran Desert flowering plants
in Tohono Chul Park. See www.pollinator.org for
more information.
To register for any of the following lectures or
workshops, call 742–6455 ext. 22
June 24, 7 pm Sheri Williamson, Southeast Arizona
Bird Observatory. Hummingbirds as Pollinators
June 25, 7 pm Dr. Stephen Buchmann, University
of Arizona. Sonoran Desert Bees: Trouble in
Paradise?
June 26, 9 am Lynn Hassler. Gardening for
Butterflies and the Caterpillars That Become Them.
June 26, 10 am Dr. Stephen Buchmann, University
of Arizona. Up Close and Personal: Macro
Photography for Pollinating Insects and Wildflowers
June 26, 11 am Dr. Ted Fleming, University of
Arizona and Miami University. Nectar-feeding Bats
and Hummingbirds: Nature’s Mega Pollinators
June 26, 1 pm Dr. Melanie Lenart. University of
Arizona. Life in the Hothouse: How a Living Planet
Survives Climate Change
June 26, 3 pm Dr. Paul Green.
Executive Director, Tucson Audubon.
Woodpeckers, Doves, Orioles, and
Verdins: Birds as Pollinators

8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010

 Taking that next step in birding
Tucson Audubon’s Lifelong Birding Series will help you become a better birder. If you want to take that next step and increase your
identification skills, consider joining one or more of the classes offered this fall. Master birder and educator Homer Hansen will guide
students through the identification of difficult species groups and provides tools to build up your birding abilities. His classes always
get top reviews.

Moving to Mastery and Specialty Workshops

Fall 2010–Spring 2011

Olive Warbler / Jim & Deva Burns, www.JimBurnsPhotos.com

Kendall Kroesen

Moving To Mastery Specialty Workshops

This class is designed for adults with some birding
experience and skills. You will develop further skills
in identifying birds, focusing on profile, general
impression, and use of habits and habitat to nail
down identification. Other topics include bird
topography, flight patterns, voice identification, and
conservation issues. The five class sessions are
reinforced with four field trips.
Classroom sessions: Wednesdays, October 13, 20,
27 and November 3 & 10, 2010
Field trips: October 16, 23, 30, and November 6
Cost is $250 ($285 for non-members but includes
membership)
Class size is limited to 20 people.
For more information or to sign up, contact
These individual workshops focus on some of the Tucson Audubon Education at education@
more difficult families of birds: warblers, sparrows, tucsonaudubon.org or the Nature Shop at 629-
raptors, and flycatchers. Each class will focus on a 0510. Classes will be held at Tucson Audubon
specific family and boost your identification skills. and the Nature Shop will be open beforehand
Warblers: September 1 & 4, 2010 for your convenience.
Flycatchers: September 8 & 11, 2010
Available in our Nature S ­ hops
Sparrows: January 26 & 29, 2011
Homer Hansen’s trio of “mini-guides” are user-
Raptors: February 2 & 5, 2011
friendly, waterproof and tear-resistant, and great
Each class consists of one classroom session and
field references for anyone birding in Arizona.
one all-day field trip.
$6.95 each
Cost is $110 ($145 for non-members but includes
membership)
Class size is limited to 10 people.

Watch for new programs next year, and for the return of old favorites!

Go Batty in September
September 10 & 11
Come watch nectar eating bats gorge at hummingbird feeders as they prepare to migrate south. Enjoy a
light repast and view bats, using infrared imaging, literally attacking the feeders after dark. Dr. Ronnie Sidner
will also tell you a great deal about the bats too.
Join us either at Dr. John Madden’s house on Friday, September 10, in Tucson or Saturday, September
Robert Buecher

11, at Linda Pfister’s in Nogales. Only twelve spots available at each location so set aside the date now.
Registration is $30 for Tucson Audubon members, $40 for nonmembers. Admission is free for one child age
10–15 per adult. To sign up, call the Nature Shop at 629-0510 or email education@tucsonaudubon.org.

May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9

 Tucson Audubon
Events & Classes
Birdathon Races Ahead!
Birdathon Sponsors: You can make
a donation or pledge to your favorite
birder or team through May 17th.
Birdathoners: You can still go
out and count the birds through May
9th! The deadline to get your pledges
in to count for prizes is May 17, 5 pm.
Checks should be made out to Tucson
Audubon and sent to 300 E. University
Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Please
T u cson Audubon ’ s Li v i ng wi t h Nature L e cture S e ri e s
Tucson Living with
Nature Lecture Series /
Member Meetings
DuVal Auditorium, NE section of the
University Medical Center Bldg. 501
N Campbell Ave. Program begins at
7 pm, second Monday of each month
September through May.
Green Valley Living
with Nature Lecture Series
Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N
La Canada Dr. 594-5295. Program
begins at 10 am, third Saturday of
each month October through March.
Contact Erin Olmstead, 629-0510
or eolmstead@tucsonaudubon.
org for more information or visit
tucsonaudubon.org.
May 10 • Tucson
SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION
CHANGES IN ARIZONA BIRDS
with Troy Corman
The seasonal status and distribution
of many bird species is rapidly
changing in Arizona. As examples,
some migrants are arriving earlier in
White-winged Dove / Bruce Taubert
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
ask your sponsors to write your
name in the memo section to be sure
you get credit! Thanks to all of our
Birdathon participants and sponsors
for your effort and generosity!
Birdy Brunch: Sunday, May 23rd,
at Tucson Audubon, 9 to 11 am in the
Y courtyard. Birdathoners, come share
your story of Birdathon glory and a
tasty brunch cooked up by Tucson
the spring and lingering longer in the
fall, while some species that were
never known to winter in the state in
the past are now beginning to do so.
Other species from Mexico, which
used to visit our state on only a few
occasions, are now being reported
annually and increasing in number to
the point some have even attempted
to nest here. Join bird biologist
Troy Corman for this intriguing
presentation to learn more about the
various species and changes, explore
possible environmental factors
contributing to these changes, and
find out what to expect in the future!
Troy Corman has been an avid
birder since high school. Raised in
rural south-central Pennsylvania,
he moved to Arizona in 1980 to
pursue higher education and new
adventures. For several years he
conducted wildlife inventories on
the upper San Pedro River for the
Bureau of Land Management. He
has worked for the nongame branch
of the Arizona Game and Fish
Department since 1990, conducting
surveys and coordinating projects for
species of concern. He coordinated
the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas
project from its inception and was
the primary editor and author of the
book summarizing atlas data. He
has a passion for bird natural history,
distribution and changing seasonal
status, particularly in the Southwest.
He has been the president of
Arizona Field Ornithologists since its
inception in 2005.
Events Calendar
Apr 9–May 9. Tucson Audubon
Birdathon (details left and p 28)
Apr 21–May 22. Raptors,
Raptors, Raptors course
Audubon’s Board of Directors. Join us Apr 22–June 1. Pollinators in
Phainopepla / Doris Evans
as we toast your success and award Action Photography Contest
great prizes from Tropical Birding, (details p 5)
Tucson Audubon Nature Shop, May 7. All-Star Birdathon day:
Birder’s Diary, BirdJam, Bookmans, Gonzo Birders
Brooklyn Pizza Company, REI, Vortex, May 8. Tree planting at Mason
and more! Bonus points if you bring Center (details p 6)
your own cup and/or place setting! May 8. TogetherGreen
RSVP to Erin Olmstead or Jean International Migratory Bird Day
Barchman at 629-0510. Volunteer Event (details p 8)
May 9. Last day for Birdathon.
May 10. Living With Nature
lecture Seasonal Distribution
Thank You! Changes in Arizona Birds with
Thanks to this season’s remarkable Troy Corman (details left)
Living with Nature lecturers, May 15. Ironwood Education
we explored amazing birding Festival (details p 5)
destinations near and far, got a May 17. Deadline to get Birdathon
sneak peek into the private lives of pledges in (details left)
some of Arizona’s most fascinating May 20. Birds & Beer. BYOB,
creatures, and gained insight into share sightings and photos.
the relationship between people and
Tucson Audubon HQ, 5–7 pm
the wildlife whose environment we
May 23. Birdathon Birdy Brunch
share. We look forward to another at Tucson Audubon / Historic Y
entertaining and educational series
courtyard (details left)
next season.
June 12. Summer Sunset Live at
Sincere Thanks to our the Mason Center (details p 5)
2009 / 2010 Presenters June 17. Birds & Beer. Sky Bar
Sergio Avila Sally Johnsen (details below)
Eva Baird Karen Krebbs June 17–19. Patagonia Mountains
Clark Blake Marilyn Malone IBA Survey (details p 4)
Jim Burns Larry Marshall June 24–26. National Pollinator
Carolyn Campbell Rachel McCaffery Week celebration (details p 8)
Troy Corman Doug Moore
September 10–11. Go Batty in
Jillian Cowles Amanda Moors September (details p 9)
VF
Jim Dawson Vince Pinto
Aaron Flesch Mark Pretti
Birds & Beer at Sky Bar!
Aaron Floyd Michael
Rosenzweig Thursday, June 17, 5–8 pm
Betty Hupp
As summer heats up, we’re
Greater Roadrunner / Doris Evans
Coming in 2010 / 2011 putting a cool new twist on Birds
Roadrunners, Rick Taylor, Liberty & Beer, our monthly informal
Wildlife, Ecuador, and much more! gathering! Join us at Sky Bar (just
Stay tuned for more details in the around the corner on 4th Avenue)
Sep/Oct issue. for happy hour, 5–8 pm. Instead
of the usual BYOB, it’s Buy-YOB
and get a free slice from Birds
& Business member, Brooklyn
Pizza Company!
Talk travel, gear, and beer, and
share your best bird photos on the
big screen. See you there! VF
 Where to Go, Birds to See
A Bounty of Birds: Our Lowland
to Highland Breeders
Homer Hansen
The late spring and early summer
months are the optimal time to see our
resident and migratory breeding bird
species. Of the 283 species documented
in the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas, over
200 may be found in the southeastern
part of the state. A rich diversity of
species extends from the desert valleys
up to the montane reaches of the Sky
Islands. Arizona is well known for its
variety of habitats; traveling through
the lowlands to highlands you can pass
through five or more biotic communities,
from deserts to grasslands to forests.
The lowlands of southeast Arizona are
luxuriantly vegetated with the Sonoran
desertscrub conspicuous with many
resident breeding birds: Gambel’s Quail,
Harris’s Hawk, Gilded Flicker, and Verdin.
A walk through Saguaro National Park in
the Tucson or Rincon Mountains provides
a chance to hear the songs of the Costa’s
Hummingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, and
Black-throated Sparrow. If you flush a
Lesser Nighthawk while walking through
creosote, take care to not accidently
step on eggs laid on bare ground! As the
desert cools towards dusk, watch the
holes in saguaros for the emergence of
cavity-nesting Elf Owls.
At higher elevations the valleys
become semidesert grasslands with
grama and bunch grasses interspersed
with small trees and shrubs. Places like
Las Cienegas NCA and Sulphur Springs
Valley are host to Scaled Quail, White-
tailed Kite, Swainson’s Hawk, and Eastern
Meadowlark. Be sure to stop and listen
for territorial songs from Grasshopper and
Cassin’s Sparrows perched on a yucca or
mesquite, and check the sky for courtship
All photos Homer Hansen
aerial acrobatics performed by Common
and Chihuahuan Ravens.
Cutting through the desert and
grassland lowlands are riparian corridors
of cottonwood, willow, and mesquite,
as found along the Santa Cruz and San
Pedro Rivers. These corridors are very
important for both foraging and breeding
migrants like the Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet,
Yellow Warbler, and Yellow-breasted
Chat. A trip to San Pedro House offers
the chance to see the quivering flight
of the displaying Vermilion Flycatcher.
Or look for a Bell’s Vireo cup nest,
suspended in the fork of a small branch,
by listening for the male singing on
the nest!
Moving from the valley floor to the
mountains, you quickly encounter
Madrean evergreen woodland or
interior chaparral. As you transition from
grassland to woodland, carefully watch
for the elusive Montezuma Quail, often
standing still as you drive by. Once within
the interior chaparral, the striking red
bark of the pointleaf manzanita seems to
accent the reddish-brown in the plumage
of the breeding Crissal Thrasher, Spotted
Towhee, Canyon Towhee, and Rufous-
crowned Sparrow. Listen for Bewick’s
Wrens and Black-chinned Sparrows
singing from shrub oaks, and look for the
hanging, woven nest of the Scott’s Oriole,
built from strands of grass and yucca
leaves. This dry, mid-elevation habitat
can be visited at Molino Basin in the
Catalinas or Cochise Stronghold in the
Dragoons. Within the Madrean evergreen
woodland, look for Arizona Woodpecker,
White-breasted Nuthatch, and Hepatic
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
All photos Homer Hansen
Above, top to bottom: Madrean evergreen woodland in
the Catalinas; upland riparian in Baboquivari Mountains.
Below, left to right: Semidesert woodland in Altar Valley;
grasslands in Sonoita.
Tanager nesting in the pines and oaks of
this montane habitat. Within the woodland
drainages, Broad-billed and Blue-throated
Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-
bellied Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, and
Painted Redstart often are found nesting
in or near the sycamore-lined creeks. Visit
Huachuca or Madera Canyon to watch
bird behavior at their nests. If you are too
close, birds may not approach the nest:
simply step back a few yards to watch
them construct the nest, turn the eggs, or
feed the nestlings.
At the top of our mountain highlands,
we find the montane conifer forests of
pine, spruce, and fir. The cool mountain
peaks are home for the Northern
Goshawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Spotted
Owl, Hermit Thrush, and Red-faced
Warbler. Within the Sky Islands, the
same habitat in different ranges can have
different species, such as the Mountain
Chickadee in the Pinaleño Mountains and
the Mexican Chickadee in the Chiricahua
Mountains. Having reached the apex of
southeast Arizona’s diversity of species
and habitats, it is a good opportunity to
pause and appreciate Arizona’s bounty
of birds. VF
Homer Hansen is the author of the G.I.S.S.
Series identification guides, instructs Moving
to Mastery for Tucson Audubon Society (see
p 9), and chairs Wings Over Willcox. Homer
leads tours for festivals, groups, and individual
birders. aplomado@aplomado.com

What’s in a Name?
Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names
Grace’s Warbler
Larry Liese
Want a foolproof plan for seeing
this issue’s bird—Grace’s Warbler
(Dendroica graciae)? For Tucsonans the
easiest place to look is just up the Mount
Lemmon Road in the Catalina Mountains.
Go past Molino Basin and the open vistas
surrounding Sabino Basin to where the
vegetation makes a sudden change from
chaparral to oaks, interspersed with near
pure stands of ponderosa pine. One
lower elevation example of this latter
type is also a popular birding spot, the
Middle Bear picnic area. And upon exiting
your car in early summer, the sounds of
Grace’s Warblers’ song (a rising series of
rapid chips) might reach your ears before
your feet hit the ground! Gleaning small
insects from pine bundles high in the
trees, these beautiful birds might be easy
to hear, but can take some looking for to
get a good view. Usually never less than
twenty or thirty feet up from the ground,
they are frequently blamed for that
birder’s malady ”warbler neck.“ Arching
your lower back along with your neck will
help make looking easier, but, fortunately
for identifying this bird, there aren’t other
western warblers that look similar. The
George West
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
For Tucsonans the
easiest place to look for
Grace’s Warbler is just up
the Mount Lemmon Road
in the Catalina Mountains.
yellow throat, white underparts and dark
flank streaks rule out other warblers in
this habitat.
Grace’s Warbler is one of our smallest
warblers, and one of the least studied.
Nests are difficult to study as they are
typically at least thirty-five feet high;
birds approach them with particular
caution, and hide them well in clumps
of pine needles or in tree crowns.
The birds themselves are also hard to
follow, typically foraging even higher
in mature trees. Favorite habitats are
mixed coniferous forest or pine-oak
in park-like, semi-open stands. They
strongly favor pines but use oaks when
Olive and Yellow-rumped Warblers
are present. Two broods have been
reported as typical, but data show this
to be unsubstantiated. Unreported in the
eastern U.S., they breed in the Southwest
north into Nevada, Utah and Colorado,
and winter primarily in the highlands of
Mexico. Here in southeast Arizona they
arrive in early April and migrate south in
late September.
How did this warbler get its name? In
1864, Dr. Elliot Coues, while serving as
a surgeon in the U.S. Army, collected a
new wood-warbler near Prescott, Arizona.
The bird was formally described the next
year by Spencer Baird, and Coues asked
as a favor that it be named after his sister
Grace Darlington Coues. Baird did so,
and the bird bears her name to this day.
Dr. Coues was the author of Birds of the
Colorado Valley, Birds of the Northwest,
Key to North American Birds, and many
papers. He also served on the committee
that prepared the first and second
editions of the A.O.U. Check-list of North
American Birds. Miss Coues later married
Charles Albert Page, one-time United
States Minister to Switzerland and, after
his death, Dana Estes, a publisher.
We’re long past the days of new birds
being discovered here in the U.S., but it
must have been exciting for those early
naturalists and explorers to come upon a
new find. So when you’re looking high up
into the trees and find your next Grace’s
Warbler, think of Elliot and his sister as
you enjoy the view. Good luck! VF
Available in our
Nature ­Shops
Finding Birds in Southeast
Arizona. Published by
Tucson Audubon Society.
This will get you everywhere
you need to go for an
official Big Day or a fun-
filled Birdathon with
friends. $24.95 ($22.46 for
members).
Arizona Birds: From
the Backyard to the
Backwoods by Jim Burns. A
lively portrayal of the habits
and habitats of seventy-five
unique southwestern bird
species. 239 pages. $16.95.
Birds of Arizona: Field
Guide by Stan Tekiela.
Adventure Publications,
2003. Paperbound. 345
pages. 6”x 4¼” format.
$14.95.
C el ebrat i ng S outheast Arizona’s B i r ds

The
Joy
Paul Green | Executive Director

If you live and bird in southeast

of Birding
in southeast Arizona
Arizona, you know that one of the most
rewarding birding areas in the United
States is right here. Of the 914 or so bird
species recorded for the United States
and Canada, individuals of more than 400
West

rge West
species spend some time each year in
/ George

southeast Arizona, with a total recorded

list of around 525 species. We are third

Yellow-eyed Junco / Geo

Thick-billed Kingbird

only to the coastal states of Texas and

California in terms of species diversity.
Why do we play host to so many
species? The answer lies in a combination
of longitude, latitude, varied elevations,
and context. Vegetation typical of more

Ro
northerly regions extends south at high forest, grassland, chaparral, desert,

cky
elevations from the Rocky Mountains. It thornscrub, and elements of tropical
meets flora from more southerly regions forest. Moving around our area, in less

Mo
coming north at lower elevations from the than a day you can travel the equivalent

unta
Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. The of 2200 miles, experiencing habitats that
Sonoran Desert meets the Chihuahan occur in places as far apart as Mexico

i ns
Desert to the east, and the Mojave Desert and southern Canada.
to the west. Birds found in cool conifer forests
Being on the west side of the farther north breed high in our mountains
continent at 30 degrees north, our region above those of Mexican origin breeding
experiences dry, hot, descending air in oak and pine woodlands (see p 11).
which, coupled with other desert-making Deserts and grasslands, with many
phenomena such as a rainshadow from distinctive species, separate the mountain
Sierr

mountains and distance from the ocean, ranges. Spring and fall bring migrants
aM

create deserts around the globe at this passing through with some wintering in
ad

Mojave Desert
re

latitude north and south. the lowlands. This diverse and distinctive
Oc

Sonoran Desert
cid

A combination of climate, weather, and avifauna, accessible within a half-day

Chihuahuan Desert
en
ta

varied elevation give us samples of all of drive from Tucson, draws birders from
l

the world’s biomes within our Sonoran around the world, helping to drive our
desert region. We can find tundra, economy as you read on page 3.
coniferous forest, temperate deciduous We celebrate our birds in this issue
of the Vermilion Flycatcher. In the next
Around 914 species in North America two pages, six Tucson Audubon staff
620 in Texas members describe some of their favorite
species from this region.
616 in California
Tucson Audubon provides resources
525 in Arizona that enable birders to make the most
523 in New Mexico of this region including our publication
485 in Florida Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona,
465 in Colorado covering in detail an area east of
112 degrees west to the New Mexico
445 in New Jersey
border and south of 33 degrees north
to the border with Mexico, and includes
information on birding in Puerto Penasco
in Sonora. For an in-depth analysis of our
region, we recommend A Natural History
of the Sonoran Desert, edited by Steven
J. Philips and Patricia Wentworth Comus,
and Southern Arizona Nature Almanac
by Roseann and Jonathan Hanson. All
three books are available in the Tucson
Audubon bookstore. So make a point of
celebrating our birds this spring.

May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13

 C el ebrat i ng S outheast Arizona’s B i r ds : S taff Fav o r i t e s
Hays Cummins, mIAMI uNIVERSITY
Robert Shantz
Gray Hawk
“Hoooooweeo!, Hoooooweeo!” Here is a raptor
of tropical origin, secretive, mysterious, but
seemingly ubiquitous by its “calling” throughout
our southeastern Arizona riparian areas. It is found
wherever high groundwater levels remain, and
human use has allowed cottonwood groves and
mesquite bosques to persist.
Gray Hawks are rare in the United States: less
than 200 breeding pairs are likely present (March–
October). But a real success story for this species
is underway due to conservation efforts over the
last couple of decades that has allowed Arizona
riparian habitat to recover.
The Gray Hawk’s greatest U.S. stronghold is
southeast Arizona. This species has a dual habitat
preference of mature cottonwood/willow for nesting
All maps provided by “Birds of North America Online” http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
and tall velvet mesquite stands for foraging.
Reptiles account for up to 70% of its prey, with
whiptail and spiny lizards leading the list. Abundant
populations are now nesting along the San Pedro
and Santa Cruz Rivers, as well as Arivaca and
Sonoita Creeks. New nesting has been very
notable near Patagonia (now in oaks!), and in the
far eastern Tucson basin, including Tanque Verde,
Rincon, and Cienega Creeks; even lower Sabino
Creek has had recent sightings!
My first trip to the San Pedro, on my first
Southwestern trip, yielded my first encounter, a gray
ghost skimming the cottonwood gallery. Gaining a
sighting of this elusive bird often can be challenging,
and finding a particular bird’s nest has proven
maddening for this biologist many a time. Here is
one bird that takes you out of the dry heat and puts
you directly into the Neotropical realm of shrouded
dense humid forests right here in Arizona.
Scott Wilbor, Important Bird Areas Program
Conservation Biologist
?
Breeding
Year-round   
14
Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
Donna Tolbert-Anderson
Montezuma Quail
Montezuma Quail are the birds that birders long
to see, and probably have seen once or twice
without even knowing it, simply because the bird
has mastered the art of remaining undetected. Yet,
when these quail are startled, they explode into the
air in quite a wing-flapping show.
These cryptic birds can be found into the
southeastern area of Arizona, southwestern New
Mexico, and west Texas. They inhabit open woods
of oak to pine-oak and juniper, and prefer grassy
hillsides in these areas.
The Montezuma Quail is one of the shortest
of the quails in North America, sizing in at
approximately 8.75 inches. Of course, with short
sometimes comes plump, and these quail can be
proud of their plumpness weighing in at average
of 6 oz. The adult male has a striking, swirling
face pattern, while the rest of his body remains in
camouflage mode. The female face pattern slightly
resembles that of the male, but not in such a
striking way. These quail come with a special tool
for digging—their long, sickle-shaped claws.
I saw my first Montezuma Quail while on a
Christmas Bird Count in Madera Canyon. I’d
always wanted to see one, but never had the
luck of coming across one of these secretive,
stunning birds until we were leisurely walking and
counting. There in front of us, standing perfectly
still and trying to hide, were a male, female, and
what looked like younger birds. They were not five
feet away from me and I stood captivated by their
appearance and moved by their stillness. Since
then, I’ve had a streak of Montezuma Quail luck
while in Madera Canyon—once watching a covey
cross the road as we drove into the canyon, and
another time watching a pair foraging along the
side of the road about halfway up the canyon. I feel
so fortunate!
Sara Pike, Nature Shop Manager
Year-round
Elegant Trogon
The possibility of seeing a trogon has lured many
birdwatchers to southern Arizona. Most of these
charismatic birds arrive in April and May and depart
during September and October. There, among the
mountain forests, pine-oak or sycamore canyons,
they perch seeking a wide variety of insects,
especially katydids, cicadas, walking sticks, large
caterpillars, and small lizards. During the summer
months, you may find them eating small fruits
and berries. Trogons often nest in tree cavities,
usually in an old flicker hole in dead trees or limbs,
especially in sycamores. Cared for and fed by both
parents, the young leave the nest about 20–23 days
after hatching but are dependent on their parents
for a few more weeks. In the fall, most migrate
south to Mexico, but some will spend the winter
along a lowland stream in southeastern Arizona.
Formerly known as the Coppery-tailed Trogon,
the male’s head, chest, and upper parts are a
deep glossy green separated from the red belly
by a narrow white band across the breast. The tail
is square-tipped, moderately long, and the bill is
yellow. The female is brown, not green, with less
red on the under parts. If you would like to view a
picture, go to www.tucsonaudubon.org and click
on the cover of the July–August 2009 issue of
Vermilion Flycatcher.
As a new birder, my first experience with seeing
an Elegant Trogon was in the 2008 Birdathon.
We were off Sweetwater Wetlands/Roger Road
with our binoculars tilted to the trees. “Hey,
Sara, what is that?” Would you believe, it was an
Elegant Trogon! Carrie called the shop to report
the sighting to the rare bird alert. We gazed at the
elegant bird for several minutes. Later that day, the
female was spotted in Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
We ventured on to Mt. Lemmon but nothing topped
the morning’s find.
Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator
Breeding
Year-round
David Quanrud
Lois Manowitz
Costa’s Hummingbird
Newly arrived in the U.S., I remember my first
male Costa’s Hummingbird: it was at a feeder
just outside the hummingbird enclosure at the
Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum. The gorget had
me transfixed. Years later, now living in Arizona, I
have come to love this species for its strong spirit,
the combination of the male’s brilliantly iridescent
purple, flared gorget, and its apparent love of the
dry, desert scrub. It’s not a bird of lush, verdant,
gardens but the bird I see when walking the wash
where I live. Anna’s, its probable closest relative,
seems to adapt better to our modification of habitat
and provision of feeders.
Costa’s annual migratory movements help give
me a sense of the essence of the bird. Its “early”
appearance here in the fall (October, November)
and subsequent breeding (March, April), is
followed by its disappearance from our area in
May and June. Our birds head west then, to the
Pacific Coast of California and Baja California,
to join others of the same species that breed in
that region. It’s not clear if the birds follow clear
migratory corridors or migrate across a broad front.
As one of the smaller hummers, Costa’s
uses flowers with shorter floral tubes, especially
Chuparosa, which has a long flowering period
and is also the most reliable and productive of
midwinter nectar sources when the bird returns
to us in October. Chuparosa reaches its peak
flowering activity in March, the time when the
Costa’s is breeding. In areas where both Ocotillo
and Chuparosa are in flower, there is a super-
abundance of nectar for the breeding birds.
One question that interests me is whether
Costa’s is better adapted to the drier, hotter
desert habitats, or whether competition from other
species, which are generally socially dominant,
forces it to live in these habitats.
Paul Green, Executive Director
Breeding
Year-round
Nonbreeding
Bruce Taubert
Verdin
Verdins are the prettiest birds that most Tucsonans
have never seen. Tiny and fast-moving, they
challenge the birder to follow them with binoculars,
and they present a fleeting gray blur to most
others.
Verdins live in desert areas from southern
California and Nevada east to western Texas. Their
distribution goes south to the tip of Baja California
and to central Mexico, excluding the western Sierra
Madre.
Verdins are non-migratory, year-‘round
residents throughout their distribution. They
prefer thorny desert scrub, especially mesquite,
palo verde, and acacias. Providing thorny native
vegetation in Tucson landscapes will assure their
little yellow faces will adorn your yard.
Highly desert-adapted, Verdins can derive all
the water they need from what they eat. They eat
mostly insects and spiders, sometimes holding
leaves with their feet while searching them for prey.
One study calculated they ate up to 540 insects,
spiders, or larvae per day during winter. When
available, they also eat fruits, pulp from seed
pods, flower nectar, or they sip from hummingbird
feeders.
Believe it or not, Verdin was once a nemesis
for me. Living in central Mexico—at the very south
end of their range—in the early ’90s, I searched
for them in vain. I found my first one in a mesquite
thicket and almost immediately learned what they
sound like, since they vocalize so frequently.
From then on I saw (or at least heard) them quite
often, and they have become one of my favorite
avian friends.
Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager
Year-round
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
Red-faced Warbler
The flash of the bright red face and breast of a
Red-faced Warbler against the green forest canopy
is hard to miss. The seemingly random pattern
of red face and white nape interrupted by a black
“bonnet” has given rise to a list of entertaining nick
names, including clown face and Coloradito in
Mexico. Preferring mid- to high-elevation forests
(6000–9200 ft), these warblers would not occur in
southeast Arizona were it not for our “sky islands.”
Because of its restricted distribution in remote
areas, birds may be difficult to locate, creating a
mystique for people hoping to catch a glimpse of
one of the region’s most sought-after birds.
Red-faced Warblers arrive to breed in southeast
Arizona by late April, taking advantage of the
insects they glean from oak, pine, or fir tree limbs.
They depart in early September to winter in the
highlands of southern Mexico, Guatemala, El
Salvador, and Honduras.
Red-faced Warblers share an interesting
adaptation with another red-splashed warbler of
roughly the same habitat, Painted Redstart; they
nest on the ground, with females placing a well-
hidden cup nest in a small hole or hollow, often
with a rock or vegetative overhang to protect and
conceal it.
I, too, experienced the mystique of “Coloradito”
until a summer day high up in the spruce/fir of the
Pinaleño Mountains. I was scanning for a different
“red,” that of the Mt. Graham red squirrel, when I
caught sight of two Red-faced Warblers scurrying
low and carrying nest material. What a treat, to see
two individuals and find a nest! Or so I thought.
After an intense search, I never did find that nest,
and the mystique lives on.
Matt Griffiths, Restoration and
Communications Specialist
Breeding
Year-round   
Wintering
15
 C el ebrat i ng S outheast Arizona’s B i r ds
The Vulnerability of
U.S. Birds to Climate Change
—a new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Scott Wilbor | Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist
The State of the Birds: 2010 Report
on Climate Change, a report produced
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in
partnership with experts from numerous
national conservation organizations,
including the National Audubon Society,
was released in March 2010. This new
report focuses on predicting which
groups of birds are most threatened by
climate change and its multiple effects
on ecosystems and species. The report
follows last year’s The State of the Birds,
which found nearly a third of the U.S.
avifauna is endangered, threatened, or
in significant decline. The new report
focuses on biological aspects of species’
sensitivity to climate change as well as
the exposure of each species’ habitat to
climate change in the near future, and
scores species to rank both species
groups (those of: oceans, coasts, arctic,
islands, aridlands, wetlands, grasslands,
forests-western & eastern, waterfowl and
gamebirds), and individual species within
these groups.
Virginia’s Warbler / Jim & Deva Burns, www.JimBurnsPhotos.com
The report found the most threatened
bird groups were those of oceans, islands
(notably the Hawaiian Islands), coasts,
arctic/alpine areas, and waterfowl. The
primary driving threat for oceanic birds
was shifting of ocean productivity patterns
and ocean chemistry, and seabirds’ low
reproductive potential. For the other
highest vulnerable groups, the loss,
degradation, or the changing condition
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
of habitats was a common thread. In our
region, Arizona and the Southwest,
three species groups are represented:
1) Grassland birds, more than half
(57%) show “medium vulnerability”
as a group, primarily due to predicted
increased drought conditions and shrub
encroachment (e.g., Swainson’s Hawk);
2) Aridland birds, many bird species
(44%) exhibit medium vulnerability, but
the Lesser Nighthawk stands out for “high
vulnerability” because of its reliance on
large flying insects that may face declines
due to drought. Invasion by non-native
species, fire threat to habitats, floral and
fruit resources’ mis-timing to species’
needs, water stress on riparian systems,
and species’ physiological heat tolerance
limits, were the driving vulnerability
factors of species ranked as medium
vulnerability; and
3) Western Forest birds, many
species were ranked as medium
vulnerability to climate change, including
Montezuma Quail, Spotted Owl, Thick-
billed Kingbird, many flycatchers (e.g.,
Cordilleran), many hummingbirds (e.g.,
Blue-throated), and some warblers
(e.g., Virginia’s). Western forest birds’
vulnerability was primarily attributed to
increased drought conditions, insect
outbreak and forest health, and length
and severity of fire seasons.
The report presents “key steps” to help
avian species cope with climate change.
In our region the report recommended
providing for habitat conservation both
in latitudinal and elevation aspects
(particularly for forest ecosystems).
Additional steps include managing
invasive species, managing shrub
encroachment in grasslands (particularly
with fire), grassland conservation through
holistic ranching, and restoring and
conserving riparian areas, including
springs, with reference to groundwater
conservation and providing for natural
hydrologic function.
What is the Tucson Audubon Society
doing to take these key steps? Through
our
Habitat
Lesser Nighthawk / Jim & Deva Burns, www.JimBurnsPhotos.com
Restoration
Program we
are engaged in non-
native invasive species removal projects
and habitat enhancement projects, in
riparian, grassland, mesquite bosque,
and ironwood/saguaro ecosystems (e.g.,
Simpson & Martin project sites—lower
Santa Cruz River, Esperanza ranch—
upper Santa Cruz River, Esperero &
Sabino Canyons, Atterbury Wash, Tucson
Audubon’s Mason Center, and other new
projects coming on line as well). Through
the Arizona Important Bird Areas (IBA)
Program, we are pursuing landscape
conservation of the San Pedro River basin
(particularly along the unprotected lower
reach), focusing on gathering bird and
habitat information, and advocating for
water and habitat conservation/protection.
For our “sky island” borderland IBAs we
are focused on achieving key avian habitat
protection, particularly for cool canyons,
springs, and habitat connectivity across
elevation gradients (e.g., Patagonia
and Santa Rita Mountains). And, in our
lowland riparian IBAs we are focused on
preventing riparian habitat degradation
and promoting groundwater conservation
(e.g., Sabino & Tanque Verde Creeks).
Through our environmental leadership in
the community we continue to act at the
local, regional, and state level, working
to promote sustainability practices (e.g.,
water harvesting), urban habitat, habitat
connectivity, and regional planning (e.g.,
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, and
groundwater protection zoning), all to
conserve native regional biodiversity. We
also advocate at the state and national
levels for strong renewable energy
standards to achieve a “greener” and
more secure energy portfolio for the
United States.
The complete U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service report can be viewed and
downloaded by going to the excellent
website www.stateofthebirds.org. VF
 Special Feature | Sustaining Bird Populations
Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed
Thrashers and Cholla Cacti
Rachel McCaffery
As a resident of the Sonoran Desert,
you have probably awoken to the
persistent, scolding note of a Cactus
Wren or the loud “whit-wheet” call of a
Curve-billed Thrasher. If you are unlucky,
like me, you may also have had a few
painful interactions with the wide array of
cholla cacti found here, which includes
the teddy bear, jumping or chainfruit,
buckhorn, staghorn, and pencil varieties.
These birds and plants are synonymous
with desert life, and their interactions
provide us with an important example
of just how valuable our prickly plant
neighbors are to native wildlife.
Looking at the Tucson Bird Count data,
Cactus Wrens and Curve-billed Thrashers
are pretty common around the Tucson
area. In fact, in terms of overall numbers,
they are the 9th and 12th most common
species counted. Cactus Wrens can be
remarkably adaptable, nesting anywhere
from roof eaves to spare shoes and
even feeding on pet kibble. Among the
members of the thrasher family, Curve-
billeds seem to be the least sensitive to
development, with other locally occurring
thrashers like Crissal or Bendire’s being
much more reclusive. Yet, we shouldn’t
let these results make us complacent,
for although these species seem to be
adjusting relatively well to certain types to
human disturbance, evidence suggests
that their populations may be declining as
their native desert habitats are converted
into developed lands.
Fortunately, we know a lot about the
resources that these birds require, so
we can reverse some of the impacts
of dwindling native habitat by including
Doris Evans
Cholla cactus at Mason Center
these features in our landscapes.
In the Tucson area, both Cactus
Wrens and Curve-billed Thrashers rely
on cholla cacti for roosting and nesting
sites. Cactus Wrens are master nest
builders, frequently building several
secondary nests that serve as roosting
sites for adults and fledglings as well as
breeding nests for subsequent broods (in
fact, Cactus Wrens can produce up to 3
broods a year, and the male is often busy
at work on the nest for the pair’s next
attempt while his mate incubates the first
group). Curve-billed Thrashers are not
quite as industrious, but they are seriously
dependent on cholla cacti. Unlike the
slightly more flexible Cactus Wren, which
will also nest in saguaros and other
plants, Curve-billed Thrashers are rarely
found in areas without cholla, where they
almost exclusively nest. In my research,
I found that of all the potential features I
considered, the only thing that accurately
predicted whether or not a Curve-billed
Thrasher would be found at a site was the
number of cholla cacti present. This was
the only species of the ten that I looked
at that didn’t also respond to features
at a broader scale. Cactus Wrens, for
example, were also strongly influenced
by the number of cholla at a site, but
additionally by the amount of open space
found in the surrounding area.
Given how valuable cholla cacti are to
these birds, it’s not surprising that it can
sometimes lead to conflict. While Curve-
billed Thrashers and Cactus Wrens can
happily roost in the same plant during
non-breeding periods, and may even nest
in nearby cholla, conflicts between the
two species as they vie for optimal cholla
nesting sites during breeding season
100
80
Percent of sites with Cactus Wrens
60
51.6
40
24
20
0
0 1–3
Richard Fray
Joan Gellatly
Both Cactus Wrens and Curve-billed Thrashers
eat mostly insects, so if you want to attract
them (and lots of other insect-loving birds) to
your yard, you may want to avoid spraying for
insects outside your home. They will happily eat
the spiders, beetles, wasps, and ants for you!
Nesting in a cactus can protect birds from
some predators, but snakes, Greater Road-
runners, and cats can still reach nestlings.
are not unusual. Many have observed
Curve-billed Thrashers destroying nests
that Cactus Wrens are building or using
for roosting in chollas (in general, they
seem to avoid active breeding nests),
and Cactus Wrens will also try to oust
Curve-billed Thrashers from their breeding
territories. With such competition over
nest sites, increasing the availability of
nesting plants is one of the best ways to
attract Cactus Wrens and Curve-billed
Thrashers to your yard and to help sustain
their populations.Luckily, for those not
interested in having a cholla forest in
their yards, my research indicates that
it only takes a few cholla to make a big
difference! In yards where there were no
cholla cacti, there was only a 24% chance
of a Cactus Wren being present, but in
yards with one to three cholla, there was
a 52% chance, indicating that the addition
of just one or two cholla can more than
double your odds of attracting a Cactus
Wren (and, as the graph shows, adding
more cholla will only increase your yard’s
attractiveness!). The same pattern holds
true for Curve-billed Thrashers, and there
are lots of other species that will nest in
cholla; so consider planting a few. Just
remember that to keep things peaceful,
95.6
94.4
86.1
93
you may want to leave some distance
83.3
between them!
81.7
VF
Rachel McCaffrey has served as coordinator
of the Tucson Bird Count since 2003, and
completed her doctorate at The University of
Arizona. Her reseach has focused on issues
related to urban birds.
4–6 7–9 10–12 13–15 16–18 19+
Number of cholla
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17
 Conservation and Education News
Chris McVie, Paul Green, Kendall Kroesen, and Scott Wilbor

Grant Funding for Conservation

Jim & Deva Burns, www.JimBurnsPhotos.com

Paul & Eng-Li Green

A Recovery Land Acquisition grant would enable the Arizona Game and Fish Department to acquire a 925-acre tract of land located at
the confluence of the San Pedro River and Aravaipa Creek (above and right), and benefit the endangered southwestern Willow Flycatcher
(inset).

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
announced in mid-April nearly $66
million in grants, awarded through
the Cooperative Endangered
Species Conservation Fund,
to enable 25 states to work with
private landowners, conservation
organizations and other partners to
protect and conserve the habitat of
threatened and endangered species.
Representing the Southwest Region,
Texas and Arizona will receive over
$3,700,000 combined grant funding.
Authorized by Section 6 of the
Endangered Species Act, these
competitive grants enable states
to work with private landowners,
conservation groups and other
agencies to initiate conservation
The Cooperative Endangered
Species Fund provides grants through
the Habitat Conservation Planning
Assistance Grants Program, the
Habitat Conservation Plan Land
Acquisition Grants Program, and the
Recovery Land Acquisition Grants
Program. These three programs were
established to help avoid potential
conflicts between the conservation of
threatened and endangered species
and land development and use.   $1,025,000. This grant will enable
A Habitat Conservation Planning
Assistance Grants Program grant
of $299,795 went to the City of
Tucson, for their Greater Southlands
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
The planning proposal will provide a
comprehensive, long-range, regional
segment of the planning proposal will
position the City of Tucson to finalize
the Greater Southlands HCP and
work with the public and stakeholders
as part of the NEPA to develop an
Environmental Impact Statement and
a final draft HCP.
Recovery Land Acquisition
Grants went to three recipients
including the Arizona Game and Fish
Department (AGFD) which received
the AGFD to acquire the Triangle Bar
Ranch in Pinal County. This 925-acre
tract is located at the confluence of
the San Pedro River and Aravaipa
Creek. The acquisition would primarily
benefit the endangered southwestern
Willow Flycatcher and threatened
Kendall Kroesen

planning efforts and acquire and plan for 14 covered species within a loach minnow.
protect habitat to support the 130,000-acre planning area facing
conservation of threatened and strong development pressures within
endangered species. the City of Tucson. Completion of this

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010

Arizona Legislature Wreaks Havoc on Water, Wildlife, and Parks
Sandy Bahr. Grand Canyon Chapter Director, Sierra Club.
The 2010 Arizona Legislative Session
may go down in history of one of the
very worst our state has seen, at
least when it comes to environmental
protection or lack thereof. On the table
are measures to weaken water quality
protections, undermine science-based
wildlife management, assure that
clean air standards are not met, and
make it easier to pump and pollute
our precious groundwater. They have
already repealed the State Parks
Heritage Fund.
That is just one major wound
inflicted on the Arizona State Park
system. The Legislature has defunded
them to the point where many of
the parks are closing, and the ones
that remain open are either the ones
that generate the most dollars or
are where State Parks was able to
work out an agreement with local
communities, volunteers, and other
benefactors. These agreements are
only temporary stop-gaps when what
is needed is dedicated funding.
Rather than address the funding
needs and allow a hearing on
HCR2040 sustainable state parks
fund, a referral that would have
placed a fee on vehicle registrations
to allow free admittance to parks
as well as fund the park system,
Representative John Kavanagh
decided to run his own bill, HB2599
NOW: state parks fund; voluntary
contributions. The bill is the
equivalent of panhandling for parks
as it establishes the Sustainable
State Parks Fund, consisting of
monies collected through voluntary
contributions, which individuals could
donate on motor vehicle registration
and renewal applications. This is
likely to generate little in the way of
revenue, especially when people know
the dollars could and likely will be
swept by the Legislature, and certainly
will not fund the parks system.
After harming parks to the greatest
extent possible, Legislators turned to
wildlife. SB1200 NOW: game and
fish commission; recommendation
board passed and was signed into law
by the Governor. This bill sets up the
Arizona Game and Fish Commission
appointment recommendation board,
which is made up of a few hunting
organizations, one member of the
public, and one rancher. The board
makes recommendations to the
governor and the governor must chose
a Game and Fish Commissioner
from those recommendations. This
means only the people deemed
worthy by this small set of individuals
and groups will be considered and
means a few groups control the
Commission to the detriment of the
larger public and wildlife. SB1200 is
a huge step backwards for the state’s
wildlife agency and will be bad news
for predators, prairie dogs, and other
critters not considered to be of value
by these groups.
As if the damage done to parks
and wildlife were not enough, the
legislature is undermining protection
of one of our most precious resources
Tell BLM What You Think about the San Pedro Power Line
Chet Philips
In the March/April issue of the
Vermilion Flycatcher, you will have
read about the possible construction
of two 500-kilovolt power lines
along the San Pedro River valley.
This would mean the construction
of 300 sixteen-story towers and the
approval of a one-mile wide corridor
for future expansion in an Important
Bird Area of Global Significance, a
riparian system without parallel in the
American southwest.
In response to public comments
about the effects of proposed
transmission lines on the Lower San
Pedro River Watershed, the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) has
reopened scoping for the SunZia
Southwest Transmission Project, a
proposed 460 mile, 500 kilovolt (kV)
transmission line across New Mexico
and Arizona. Along with the reopened
scoping period, the BLM has also
announced an expanded study area
for the project, with alternative routes
—water. Considering the significance
of water in our arid land, you would
think they would treat it with the
utmost of care and insist on the
most protective standards possible.
Not so at the Arizona Legislature
where there are several proposals to
weaken protections for ground and
surface water including one to limit
Clean Water Act protections for most
of our rivers and streams, as well as a
bill to give mining interests more clout
and control relative to rulemaking
and exempting them from more of
our water quality and water quantity
protections.
Arizona’s resources are too
precious and wonderful to be treated
so cavalierly and irresponsibly by
an out-of-touch and short-sighted
legislature.
See how your legislator voted on
these issues. Follow their voting record
at the Arizona League of Conservation
now being evaluated that would run
along I-10 and in the Tucson area.
Unfortunately, routes through
the Lower San Pedro watershed
remain under consideration. Written
comments on any of the proposed
routes may now be submitted to the
BLM until June 10, 2010 (see contact
information below).
While any new transmission lines,
especially lines as large as SunZia’s,
will have an ecological impact, it is
the position of Tucson Audubon that
these lines should utilize existing
highway and transmission line
corridors and other pre-disturbed
areas to the greatest extent possible.
Most importantly, new transmission
lines must avoid unfragmented
wildlands like the Lower San Pedro
Watershed, a unique area in North
America that provides essential
habitat for over 350 bird species and
87 species of mammals.
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
Paul & Eng-li green
Black-throated Sparrow, photographed in
Catalina State Park, a popular birding area
where more than 150 bird species have
been seen.
Voters website http://www.azlcv.
org/scorecards.php Let your
representatives know often that you
are watching and that you care about
these critical issues. Congratulate
those that support our environment.
Express your displeasure to those
who do not. Most importantly make
sure you use your vote to show your
pleasure or displeasure. We can and
must do better.
Conservation of the Lower San
Pedro, in conjunction with the Upper
San Pedro, as an unfragmented
migratory corridor, is critical to the
ability of hundreds of species to
traverse the continent, and for many
to find places to nest.
A public scoping meeting
regarding the expanded study area
was held in Tucson on April 29 as
we went to press. Meanwhile, we
encourage you to send your written
comments to the BLM via the BLM
Project Website at http://www.blm.
gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty.
html, via the project email address
at NMSunZiaProject@blm.gov,
or by mail to the Bureau of Land
Management, SunZia Transmission
Line Project, P.O Box 27115, Santa
Fe, NM 87502-0115. To be added
to the BLM’s project mailing list, or if
you have any other questions, please
Matt Griffiths
contact BLM Project Manager Adrian
Garcia at (505) 954-2199. VF
 Tucson Audubon Field Trips
Darlene Smyth | Field Trip Coordinator
Going North to:
Do you live way north of Tucson, want to bird
with Tucson Audubon, but find it to be frustrating
because trips seem to always head south,
making it difficult for you to meet for early
carpooling? The Field Trip Leaders are making
a real effort to include our valued northern
members at least once per month as we offer
“Going North to:” trips. Please look for
these trips to be listed each month and, if you
like the idea, please encourage the leaders by
dropping them a note.
May
May 1—Saturday 9 to 10:30 am
Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing
Series
Do you enjoy sharing the joy of nature and outdoor
activities with your children or grandchildren? Make
peanut butter bird feeders; sketch and color birds;
or check out a backpack filled with family activities.
We’ll loan you the binoculars! Presented by
Tucson Audubon and Sunnyside School District’s
Student Urban Naturalists (SASUN). Children age
4–14 must be accompanied by an adult! Leader:
Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail.com 490-4835
May 1—Saturday 7 am
Century Run
Have you ever seen 100 bird species in a day? If
not, maybe you’d like to join Larry as he celebrates
leading his 100th Tucson Audubon field trip with
a Birdathon event trying to see 100 bird species.
It’ll be a more-the-merrier event that should be lots
of fun! To accomplish our goal we’ll keep moving,
Kendall Kroesen
Sweetwater Wetlands
don’t Forget to stop in our Nature Shop for your field and ID Guides,
and other birding supplies.
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
Huachuca Mountains
but at an unhurried pace. Some easy trail-walking
involved. We’ll start at Sweetwater Wetlands and
make a loop south to Madera, Rio Rico, then up to
the Patagonia area. Participants are expected to
get $100 of Birdathon pledges to attend. Tucson
Audubon will be providing refreshments at our
finish in Patagonia. To sign up, contact Jean
Barchman or Erin Olmstead at Tucson Audubon at
629-0510. Leader: Larry Liese
May 4—Tuesday 4:30 am
Fort Huachuca
Birding on foot in some of the canyons on Fort
Huachuca. Because the Army limits the number of
participants on the trails, this trip will be limited to
twelve participants (including the leader) in three
high-clearance vehicles. Contact the leader by
email to reserve a place. All participants must have
a government-issued picture ID, and all drivers
must have drivers license, car registration, and
proof-of-insurance. If you are not a U.S. citizen,
please let the leader know when you make your
reservation. Be prepared to hike on rough rocky
trails that are steep in places. Bring lunch. 160
miles roundtrip. Leader: Jim Hays jhays@iname.
com (preferred) or 203-3489
For the latest or expanded
field trip information
visit www.tucsonaudubon.org
or call us at 520-629-0510
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free. For general
information call field trip coordinator Darlene
Smyth 297-2315. For specific information about
a trip, contact the leader of that trip.
Please dress appropriately for your field trip.
Always wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and use sun
protection. Bring plenty of snacks and water
for yourself. Always bring your binoculars,
field guide, and for most trips a scope can be
useful. Bring money to cover your share of the
carpooling and any required entry fees (eg for
state parks).
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure times.
Trips will leave promptly at the time given.
Carpooling Sites
u NW Tucson: Ina and Via Ponte—commuter
parking lot one block west of Oracle and
Ina, south side of Ina.
v SW Tucson: I-19 and Irvington—Fry’s
parking lot.
w Green Valley: I-19 and Continental Rd exit
63—McDonald’s parking lot.
x NE Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd/ Catalina
Hwy—McDonald’s parking lot.
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required. Check the trip listings for meeting/
carpooling sites. You are expected to reimburse
the driver for the actual cost of fuel. Drivers and
trip leaders are not expected to contribute.
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
629-0510 ext. 3. Report rare birds at 629-0510
or rarebirdalert@tucsonaudubon.org
After Your Field Trip
Don’t forget to stop in the Tucson Audubon
Nature Shop to check out new books,
see wonderful nature items, and chat with
volunteers.
Sara Pike
 May 18—Tuesday 7 am
Beginning Birdwatching at
Sweetwater Wetlands
This is a field trip specifically for people who are
new to birding or are visitors from out of town and
may not be familiar with our local birds and habitats.
As we stroll along mostly dirt paths, we will chat
about primary habitats, behaviors and identification
of common birds of this reclaimed water site.
We’ll likely share our walk with warblers, hawks,
Robert Shantz
May 23—Sunday 5:30 am
Sycamore Canyon
Rugged Sycamore Canyon is legendary
among birders for the rarities it has harbored over
the years, as well as for its steep, difficult terrain.
We’ll bird the canyon for a roundtrip hiking distance
of about 2.5 hot miles, over very uneven terrain
and wet stream crossings. We will encounter
species typical of oak-juniper and riparian habitats
and, perhaps, some migrant birds. Meet at the

May 8—Saturday 5 am
Going North to:
Gilbert Water Ranch
Spend the morning birding Gilbert Water Ranch on
this joint field trip with the Desert Rivers Audubon
Society. This is a hot spot in metro Phoenix with
close to 200 species spotted here! Meet in Tucson
for carpooling at 5 am at the commuter parking lot
at Ina and Via Ponte, one block west of Oracle and
Ina, on the south side of Ina. Then meet at 7 am
at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve parking lot. To
get there exit I-10 from Tucson onto U.S. 60 east
(towards Globe), proceed 13.5 miles to Greenfield
Road, exit right (south), go 1.6 miles and turn left
(east) onto Guadalupe Road, go .25 mile to the
parking lot on the right (south) side of Guadalupe
Road. Contact the leader to arrange carpooling
About 210 miles roundtrip. Leader: Richard Filley
rdfilley@yahoo.com or 480-277-0834
May 11—Tuesday 8:30 am
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Only 15 fortunate people may join the author of the
upcoming book, A field guide to the Dragonflies
and Damselflies of Arizona and Sonora as he
gently nets these beautiful creatures and points
out identifying features before he releases them.
Be prepared to get your feet wet in the San Pedro
River east of San Manuel. Contact the leader
to reserve your place and to learn the meeting
location. Back by 2 pm. About 80 miles roundtrip.
Leader: Rich Bailowitz raberg2@q.com 544-0602
woodpeckers, flycatchers, sparrows, grebes, ducks,
rails and shorebirds in this varied habitat. Done
by 10 am. RSVP to trip leader for current details
starting May 1. Local. Leader: Cynthia Barstad 237-
2331 cynthiabarstad@gmail.com
May 18—Tuesday 7–8:30 pm
The Moon
See our Moon through a telescope. Mike
Smith will show Mare Crisium, where the first
spacecraft impacted, the region of Tranquility
base, alpenglow and Earthshine. Meet at the top
of Campbell Avenue north of Skyline Drive. Come
any time and stay as little or as long as you wish.
Venus will also be visible. Leader: Michael S. Smith
mssq@comcast.net
May 22—Saturday 7 am
Tucson Audubon Young Birders
Field Trip: Patagonia Vicinity
The riparian corridor around Patagonia is world
famous for its specialties and undiscovered rarities.
We will begin by checking out the Roadside Rest
for migrants and maybe Thick-billed Kingbird.
Then we will work the trails of the Patagonia-
Sonoita Creek Preserve for riparian birds. We
will finish the day at the Paton’s house, home of
the Violet-crowned Hummingbird. Lunch at the
Patagonia Park. Bring hat, lunch, and water. Meet
at Houghton and I-10. 120 miles roundtrip. Contact
leaders for details. Rob Payne vermillion233@
hotmail.com 867-0490; Scott Olmstead
sparverius81@hotmail.com 520 840-9567
Green Valley McDonald’s parking lot at 5:30 am.
Contact the leader to signup. 160 miles roundtrip.
Leader: Ethan Beasley 300-0049 ethanbeasley@
yahoo.com
May 25—Tuesday 5:30 am
Going North to: Boyce-
Thompson Arboretum
Amidst the lovely plantings are the territories of
resident birds, and we will spend a few enjoyable
hours strolling through the grounds of this state
park searching for these birds. State park pass or
fee ($7.50) needed for each person. About 270
miles roundtrip. Meet for carpooling at the Ina and
Via Ponte commuter lot one block west of Oracle
and Ina on the south side of Ina. Bring lunch.
Leader: Darlene Smyth dsmyth3@comcast.net
297-2315
May 29—Saturday 6 am
Pinaleños
We will stop at different elevations going up
Mt. Graham to see species in their preferred
habitat, including scrub oak, sycamore riparian,
pine, and spruce-fir. We’ll look for warblers,
vireos, flycatchers, and other breeding montane
species. Bring a lunch. Meet at Houghton Road
just north of I-10 to carpool before 6 am. All people
on this trip must arrive with plenty of fuel and be
prepared to drive; however, all must be willing to
carpool from the meeting site as the number of
vehicles must be kept to a minimum. About 300
miles roundtrip. Finish on mountaintop by 2 pm.
Leader: Homer Hansen hhansen@aplomado.com

May 16—Sunday 5:30 am

Cienega Creek Natural Preserve on
International Migratory Bird Day
The required permit restricts the number of people
allowed to visit this protected preserve, so contact
the leader beginning May 11 to register. This
riparian area attracts many resident and migratory
birds which you will help your leader count as part
of the International Migratory Bird Day census.
There are no established trails or facilities at this
preserve. Carpooling is expected. About 40 miles
Matt Griffiths

roundtrip. Leader: Vivian MacKinnon 250-7068

arcvivian@yahoo.com
Pinaleños

May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21


Tucson Audubon
Field Trips
Jim & Deva Burns, www.jimburnsphotos.com
White-eared Hummingbird
June
June 1—Tuesday 5:30 am
Madera Canyon
Let’s get out to the cool environs of Madera
Canyon. A group of no more than 10 participants
will be able to enjoy, but not stress, the birds.
Contact the leader to register starting May 25.
Forest service parking fees or pass needed. About
80 miles roundtrip. Leader: Darlene Smyth 297-
2315 dsmyth3@comcast.net
June 5-Saturday 7:30 am to 9:30 am
Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing
Series
Do you enjoy sharing the joy of nature and outdoor
activities with your children or grandchildren? Make
peanut butter bird feeders, sketch and color birds,
or check out a backpack filled with family activities.
We’ll loan you the binoculars! Presented by Tucson
Audubon Society and Sunnyside School District’s
Student Urban Naturalists (SASUN). Children age
4–14 must be accompanied by an adult! Leader:
Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail.com 490-4835.
June 5—Saturday 7 am
Ironwood Picnic Area–Tucson
Mountain Park
Get up a little early and look for the summer desert
birds, such as Purple Martin and Brown-crested
Flycatcher. Easy one-mile walk on mostly flat
paved road. Meet at the first ramada at 1548 S.
Kinney (3.8 miles north of Ajo Way, 1.5 miles south
of west end of Gates Pass Road). Done by 9 am.
No sign-up, but contact leader with questions.
Leader: John Higigns 578-1830 jghiggins@
comcast.net
June 8—Tuesday 5 am
West Turkey Creek
Hoped-for species will include Montezuma
and Scaled Quail, turkeys, and typical mountain
birds. Mexican Chickadee as well as Cassin’s
and Botteri’s Sparrows will also be sought but are
difficult in June. Meet at Houghton Road just north
of I-10 at 5 am. About 300 miles roundtrip with
possible stops at Chiricahua National Monument
or Willcox on the way back. Either a fee or federal
22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
pass (Annual or Golden Age) is required per
person (not per car) for Chiricahua NM. Leader:
Diane Touret dctouret@comcast.net
June 12—Saturday 6 am
Carr Canyon
This canyon is home to tantalizing species
like Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace’s, Red-faced,
and Olive Warblers which will be our focus along
with other resident species. We may also hike
down to Comfort Springs. Meet before 6 am at
Houghton Rd., just north of I-10 for carpooling.
About 150 miles roundtrip. Leader: John Yerger
jyerger24@yahoo.com
June 15—Tuesday 6 am
“Big Sit” at the Patons’
Backyard, Patagonia
In the spirit and memory of gracious hosts Wally &
Marion Paton, we will enjoy the hospitality of the
current caretakers at this famous private yard in
Patagonia. Its nectar, fruit and seed feeders draw
grosbeaks, orioles, tanagers and, of course, Violet-
crowned and other hummers (a Plain-capped
Starthroat made an appearance last year). Ruddy
Ground-Dove also is possible, as well as nesting
Thick-billed Kingbirds and fly-over hawks. Done by
mid-morning (but you’re welcome to stay longer).
Please bring donations for the “sugar fund.” Limit
10 people. RSVP required starting June 1. 90 miles
roundtrip. Leader: Cynthia Barstad 237-2331
cynthiabarstad@gmail.com
June 19—Saturday 2 pm
California Gulch
We will look for Five-striped Sparrows and
Varied Buntings. Bring your supper and a chair. As
the sun goes down the Poorwill will serenade us,
and with a little luck maybe
a couple other species.
No guarantees. Return
will be late, probably
Fiv
around midnight.
e-str
You must pre-
iped Sparrow / R
register, beginning
June 12, as high
clearance vehicles
are required
ich H
to transport the
oy
group. About160
er
miles roundtrip from
Tucson. Leader:
Melody Kehl Outdoor1@cox.net
June 22—Tuesday 4:30 am
Scotia Canyon, Huachuca
Mountains
This pretty canyon on the western side of the
Huachuca Mountains has most of the same birds
for which the eastern canyons are famous, but is
much less heavily birded. High-clearance vehicles
desirable; others should plan to carpool. Mostly
walking on a rocky road with some possibly wet
stream crossings. Bring water and lunch. Meet
at Houghton Road north of I-10 before 4:30 am.
We will drive through Sonoita and follow the road
toward Parker Canyon Dam before turning off onto
rough roads to reach Scotia Canyon (180 miles
roundtrip). Leader: Jim Hays jhays@iname.com
(preferred) or 895-3299
June 26—Saturday 6 am
Huachuca Hummingbird
Madness
Join Tucson Audubon Society for a three-part
big sit at the most famous Huachuca Mountain
hummingbird outposts in North America: Ash
Canyon B&B, Beatty’s Guest Ranch, and the
Ramsey Canyon Preserve (fee of $5 per person at
each location). Last year we had Lucifer, Berylline,
White-eared and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds
on this trip. Meet at the south Houghton Road
meeting spot (Houghton Rd. just north of I-10) at
6 am. About 160 miles roundtrip. Leader: Clifford A.
Cathers AZCliffy@q.com
June 26—Saturday 7 am
Tucson Audubon Young
Birders Field Trip:
Madera Canyon
Mexican specialties are the goal of the young
birders this June. We will travel to the northern-most
breeding range of the extravagant Elegant Trogon,
and home to the only known Flame-colored Tanager
in the US. We will also keep our eyes open for
Arizona Woodpecker, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher,
Hepatic Tanager, and hummingbirds. Be prepared
for warm weather and moderate hiking. Bring
hat, lunch, and water. Fry’s Supermarket parking
lot on the north side of Irvington just east of I-19.
80 miles roundtrip. Contact leaders for details. Rob
Payne vermillion233@hotmail.com 867-0490; Scott
Olmstead sparverius81@hotmail.com 520 840-9567
June 29—Tuesday Time TBA
Leader’s Choice
We will take advantage of recent sightings and
current conditions to maximize our birding time.
Contact leader for specifics beginning June 22.
Leader: Philip Kline pgkline_uk@yahoo.com. VF
Additional Bird
Walks in Tucson and
Southeast Arizona
For information on weekly regional bird
walks from Agua Caliente Park to Ramsey
Canyon Preserve, please see our website,
www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/
Doris Evans
birding/128.html.
 Birding Travel
from our Business Partners
Adventure Birding C
­ ompany
www.adventurebirding.com
info@adventurebirding.com • 495-0229
South Texas: Specialties and Migrants in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley. April 1–9, 2011, $1890.
Leaders: John Yerger and/or Keith Kamper. Join
us in “the other” premier U.S. birding destination,
with guides who have lived and birded there. With
specialties like Great Kiskadee, Green Jay and
Altamira Oriole, how can you miss? We’ll sample
all habitats from tidal mudflats to subtropical
thornscrub to prime Chihuahuan Desert. Visit both
classic hotspots and lesser-known local secrets for
rarer residents like Clay-colored Robin and Hook-
billed Kite. This trip is timed to catch loads of spring
migrants, and probably a few Mexican rarities!
Big Bend National Park: West Texas Birds and
Scenery. April 27–May 1, 2011, $1065. Leaders:
John Yerger and/or Keith Kamper. Big Bend is
perhaps the most remote birding hotspot in the
United States, and hosts spectacular scenery. This
is the only place in the U.S. to find Colima Warbler,
our main target. Ideal for those desiring lots of birds
on limited vacation time. Painted Buntings and
Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are among the other
goodies we’ll seek on this fun-filled adventure!
Nature Treks and P
­ assages
www.naturetreks.net.
­info@naturetreks.net • 781-789-8127
Copper Canyon, Mexico. Oct. 17–25 and
Nov. 28–Dec. 6. Unique 9-Day Birding Tour.
See breathtaking vistas of the Sierra Madre
Mountains. Enjoy the Copper Canyon Train
ride from sea level to canyon rim. Relax on the
tranquil float down the Rio Fuerte. The Copper
Canyon adventure combines the best of natural
history with diverse, cultural habitats. But the
Dave Menke, USFWS
Black Guillemot
emphasis on this trip’s itinerary is birding—for
the beginner—to the obsessed. $2749.00 pp.
Alamos, Mexico. Nov. 13–18 and Dec. 11–16.
Guided Cultural and Historical Tour. Journey to
colonial Alamos in Southern Sonora, Mexico,
known for its charming colonial architecture and
elegant ambience. Search for neotropical birds
in the Sinaloa thorn forest and tropical deciduous
forest, and regional birds on the Rio Mayo river
and at mangrove estuaries on the Sea of Cortez.
Charming local restaurants! $1599.00pp
Solipaso Tours
www.solipaso.com
Summer in Alamos. August 14–19, 2010. $1300.
Leader: David Mackay. The green season in
Alamos is a sight to see. Having lived in Alamos
for the 15 years, we can offer our guests the
most in-depth, thorough and interesting trips to
the region, combined with great birds and the
best food and lodging anywhere in Sonora. In
Alamos, we stay at our own hotel, El Pedregal
Nature Lodge, where you can enjoy the birds and
the beautiful natural setting. See Elegant Quail,
Mexican Parrotlet, Blue Mockingbird, and Russet-
crowned Motmot. We’ll also tour the colonial center
of Alamos and do a home and garden tour.
Yucatan Endemics. October 9–15, 2010. $1950.
Leader: David Mackay. This weeklong trip in the
Yucatan focuses on the endemics of the peninsula.
We start in Merida then make our way to the
Celestun Biosphere for Mexican Sheartail, Yucatan
Wren and Bobwhite, among others. Then up to
the Rio Lagartos Biosphere for another chance
at the coastal endemics as well as the beautiful
American Flamingo. On the Riviera Maya we
visit the Jardin Botanico for Yucatan Vireo, Rose-
throated Tanager and much more. We end the trip
in Cozumel for the island endemics. Join us for
great Yucatecan food, ruins, biospheres and fun!
Tropical B
­ irding
www.tropicalbirding.com
info@tropicalbirding.com • 1-800-348-­5941
Eastern Ecuador: High Andes to Vast Amazon.
December 2–16, 2010. $3690 from Quito. Starting
from the magnificent high Andes dotted with snow-
capped volcanoes towering over 18,000 ft, we
head all the way down to the ultra-diverse Amazon
lowlands. Well over 1,000 bird species occur in this
region, but we can see them in comfort as we stay
in some of the best lodges in Ecuador, including
San Isidro, Wild Sumaco, and Sacha Lodge which
has the only canopy walkway in the country.
Oaxaca, Mexico. December 4–17, 2010.
$3220 from Oaxaca City. The state of Oaxaca
is loaded with endemics, and the setting is
hard to beat. With ancient ruins, beautiful
coastlines, fascinating culture, great Mexican
food, and more, this is a fascinating trip even
for casual birders. An optional extension to
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is available.
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
Available in our
Nature S
­ hops
A Guide to the Birds of
Mexico and Northern
Central America. By
Steve Howell and
Sophie Webb, 2007.
Includes color plates,
maps and detailed
species descriptions.
850 pps. $49.95
Hawaii’s Birds. Published by Hawaii Audubon
Society. $10.99
A Field Guide to The Birds of Hawaii and the
Tropical Pacific. By H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip L.
Bruner, and Delwyn G. Berrett. $45.00
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC.
www.ventbird.com
512-328-5221 • info@ventbird.com
Grand Manan. August 30–September 5, 2010;
$2,885 in double occupancy from Bangor, ME.
Located in the Bay of Fundy, picturesque Grand
Manan Island is a wonderful place to experience
the thrill of fall migration on the northeast coast.
Incredible seabird spectacles, marine mammals,
and large numbers of migrant landbirds and
shorebirds make this a standout destination.
Birding the forests and coast may turn turn up 20
species of warblers as well as Great Cormorant,
Common Eider, and Black Guillemot. A Bay
of Fundy pelagic trip often produces exciting
seabirds such as Manx and Greater shearwaters;
Atlantic Puffin; Razorbill; and Northern Gannet.
Barry Zimmer and Brennan Mulrooney lead.
Hawaii. October 19–27, 2010; $3,295 in double
occupancy from Honolulu. Join Bob Sundstrom
for an autumn survey of the fabulous birds and
scenery of our 50th state. In focusing on three
islands—Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai—you’ll
visit Hawaii’s best birding areas and most famous
landmarks while viewing some of the world’s
rarest birds. Highlights include visits to Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, the Kona Coast, Waikiki
Beach, Kapiolani Park, Waimea Canyon, and
Kilauea Point. Among this tour’s avian prizes are
Hawaiian honeycreepers, with good chances for
Aki, Akepa, Palila, Apapane and I’iwi. Other target
species include White-tailed Tropicbird, Hawaiian
Hawk, Bristle-thighed Curlew, and White Tern. VF
 The TAS-ifieds
Classified ADs
Classified and display ads are accepted from
individual members and members of our Birds
& Business Alliance. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/
vfly for rates or contact Matt Griffiths mgriffiths@
tucsonaudubon.org to book an ad.
Annual Father’s Day Campout White
Mountain Audubon is holding its annual campout
in the White Mountains on June 18–21. Come
enjoy the Saturday evening presentation of
“Sounds of the Night” with Dan Groebner.
The campsite is located at Burnt Mill Springs
off Highway 260 on FR 117. For details email
LPicciurro@aol.com.
EL PEDREGAL Nature Lodge—Alamos, Sonora,
Mexico—Five luxurious guest casitas and central
lodge set on 20 acres of intact tropical deciduous
forest. Delicious regional cuisine, unrivaled local
knowledge and warm hospitality. Birding tours,
river trips, yoga classes and more available.
Special Tucson Audubon package available. For
more information: www.solipaso.com
Birds & Business Alliance
j o i n TO DAY
and connect with the
Tucson Audubon community
For more information and to join, contact Erin Olmstead at eolmstead@tucsonaudubon.org
or 520.629.0510 ext 7009.
Paul & Eng-Li Green
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010
The Oasis at Way Out West B&B/Private
Nature Preserve. A secluded trail side location Available in our Nature ­Shops
offers close-up wildlife observation and colorful
mountain sunsets. Bird our trails (135+ House List)
Learn about our native pollinators (bees,
butterflies, birds, and bats) and native Sonoran
or the Catalinas. 20+ feeding stations, Naturalist/ Desert flowering plants during National
Photographer on-site, Wi-Fi, Hydrotherapy spas, Pollinator Week (see p 8). We offer a great
Bike rentals, Eco-Excursions. WOWArizona.com. selection, great prices, and member discounts!
520.825.4590.
Volunteer(s) needed in the main
Nature Shop. The successful volunteer must
enjoy bird watching, natural history and talking
with people! The Nature Shop on University Blvd.
is looking for 2–3 volunteers to help out in the
shop once a week. We need your help on either of
the following days and times
• Tuesday mornings 10 am –1 pm
• Wednesday mornings 10 am –1 pm
• Wednesday afternoons 1 am – pm
This volunteer position involves greeting
customers and visitors in the store, helping with
sales transactions, talking binoculars, and being
a welcome and smiling face for Tucson Audubon.
Basic computer skills required. Call 520-629-0510
and select 3 for the Volunteer Coordinator, or 7 for
the Nature Shop staff (Matt Brooks). VF
Costa’s Hummingbird / VIREO
Birds & Business
A L L I A N C E
TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY
 Tucson Audubon’s Tucson Audubon thanks
our Birds & Business
Birds & Business alliance Alliance Members, who have
shown their support for bird 2 0 1 0 -2 0 1 1

conservation through annual

Please Give Your Business to our Birds & Business Alliance Members
Need a realtor who is sensitive to living in the
desert? Need a bird tour company that values
the work of Tucson Audubon? Need a landscape
architect who understands using desert plants?
Do you want to recommend a pizza parlor or a
hotel for a visiting birder? Look no further than
our Birds & Business Alliance members. Because
they support Tucson Audubon you know these
businesses have our natural environment in mind
and so have a broader, more progressive approach
to running their business.
Paul & Eng-Li Green
contributions and in-kind donations. Please show
them you appreciate their support for us by
supporting them. Please choose these progressive
Take a look at the list on this page, or browse companies when you need a service. Visit www.
the Birds & Business section of our main Nature tucsonaudubon.org for more information about our
Birds & Business Alliance members, including links
Shop (we have brochures and business cards to their websites.
of our B&BA members there). Please give your
Sterling
business to these forward thinking people and help
Adventure Birding Company
them to thrive in these difficult times. • 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com
And if you are a business but not yet a member, Nature Treks & Passages
please contact Erin Olmstead (eolmstead@ • 781-789-8127 • naturetreks.net
tucsonaudubon.org or 629-0510 ext. 7009) to join Rancho Esmeralda • 520-241-7072
Tucson Audubon’s Birds & Business Alliance. • www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com
Solipaso Tours • www.solipaso.com
Tropical Birding • 800-348-5941
• www.tropicalbirding.com
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
• 800-328-VENT • www.ventbirds.com
Silver
Loews Ventana Canyon
• 520-299-2020 • www.loewshotels.com
The Oasis at Way Out West
• 520-825-4590 • www.wowarizona.com
Snell & Wilmer • www.swlaw.com
Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com
Copper

Bed & Bagels of Tucson • 520-760-5595

Lou Benson Construction • 520-797-1237
Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868
Buffalo Exchange • 520-795-0508
Can you bathe with as little water as this Harris’s Hawk?
Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM • 877-577-2275

Conservation Corner!
Casa de San Pedro B&B • www.bedandbirds.com
Coyote Wore Sideburns • 520-623-7341
Desert Toyota of Tucson • 520-296-8535
My last column helped you calculate the gallons of water you use per day. The average for Tucson
Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441
residents is a little under 100 gallons per person per day, although there are people
Economy Birding Services • 520-762-3201
who have gotten below 30.
El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association
This month, calculate how much daily water use comes from your shower. All
you need is a watch, a way to measure water, and something like a water-tight Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC • 520-790-5433
bag to catch water from your shower. Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com
First: If the shower head has multiple settings, set it to the one you typically Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677
use. With watch in hand and the shower on, use the water-tight bag to capture Greenfire Ecological Landscaping • 520-429-7306
all the water coming out of the shower head for 10 seconds. Heartstone Mountain Ranch • 877-562-2955
Nicole Koehler

Measure what you have captured and convert that to a decimal number. Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341
For example, if there was one quart and two cups of water captured, that Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408
converts to 0.375 gallon. Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146
Now multiply that amount by six to get the number of gallons per minute. Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425
For example, 0.375 times six is 2.25 gallons. It should not be more than about 2.2 Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466
gallons, since federal law limits new shower heads to 2.2 gallons per minute (at a Salt River Project
pressure of 60 psi). Southern Arizona Paving & Construction
Multiply your gallons per minute by the number of minutes your shower usually lasts. For Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121
example, 2.25 gallons in a 10-minute shower is 22.5 gallons. Sundance Press • 800-528-4827
Do you want to cut down? First, shorten your shower! Second, make sure you have a new shower TyrannoTours • 520-577-6546
head that meets the low-flow requirement. Third, use a shower head setting that uses less water. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon • 800-828-5701
Fourth, you can buy a simple valve to put between your shower head and shower head pipe that Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson • 520-795-9955
allows you to turn off (or reduce) the flow while you are soaping up.VF
VF

Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager

May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25

 Support Tucson Audubon... Tucson Audubon
Become a Friend Today! Nature Shops
Annual Membership subscription
‰‰$35 ­Individual Contributor $100 q
Tucson Audubon’s Nature Shops provide for your needs in natural history books and
‰‰$50 Family Supporter $25­0 q guides, birding optics and accessories, and gifts right here in Tucson. We offer a great
‰‰$35­Senior Supporter* Guardian $500 q selection, the best prices, and member discounts. Remember to shop locally.
‰‰$25­Senior Discount* Steward $1000 q
‰‰$25 ­Student* Leadership Circle $2500 q
*Individual
What’s Happening in the World of Coffee?

Name

Address

Both photos Ben Corey-Moran

City / State / ­Zip

Email

Phone
‰‰ New ­membership q Renewing ­membership Left to right: Shade-grown coffee farm; coffee farmer, Guadalupe Jesus Picado.
‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon
events ­and conservation ­issues.
Coffee is big business. Most of the 25 million or so
‰‰ Please do not share my contact ­information.
coffee farmers in the world are small-scale family
‰‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher.
I’ll read it online. farmers, almost entirely dependent on coffee for
their livelihood. Farmers grow coffee in more than
Donation 70 countries between the tropics of Capricorn and
‰‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon
Cancer and in some of the world’s most threatened
Society with ­an additional contribution of
q $25 q $50 q $100 q $­250. forest ecosystems. So the drink many of us start
‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly our day with should prompt us to ask a question:
Donor ­Program: I authorize the charge of How can I be a more responsible consumer?
$____ per month for ____ months to my Multinational corporations dominate the coffee
credit card ($10/month minimum). market. They focus on lowering production costs
Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your ­tax-­deductible
gift for its environmental, educational and recreational ­programs. and maximizing profits, applying intense pressures
on smaller farmers. As a result, farmers convert
Method of ­payment
forest plantations to “sun” coffee production, with
‰‰ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)
high inputs of fertilizers and pesticides, producing
‰‰ MasterCard q Visa q AMEX
fast-growing high yields. This economic solution
externalizes the ecological costs—with the
Credit Card No. destruction of rain forests—and migratory birds,
including warblers, vireos, and tanagers, lose their
Expiration Date Amount $ winter homes in Central America. This habitat loss
accounts for some of the population declines we
see in “our” birds during the northern summer.
Signature
Significant reductions in songbird numbers
Please send your application with payment ­to coincided with dramatic falls in coffee prices in the
Tucson Audubon ­Society, 1990s when farmers were clearing more forest for
300 E. University Blvd, #120, coffee trees to compensate for the low prices their
Tucson, AZ ­85705 beans were fetching on the market. Therefore,
(Attn: Jean Barchman,
from the birds to the beans, we are all impacted by
Membership Coordinator)
the importance of coffee as the major cash crop for
OR join, renew or ­donate online at
www.tucsonaudubon.org hundreds of thousands of families across Central
America.
There is a solution for discerning consumers.
Farmers that grow coffee in the shade of the
natural forest, without the need for pesticides
and fertilizers, and who are part of the Fair Trade
system, grow a high quality product that commands
a premium price and provides social justice. Fair
Trade Certified coffee is bought directly from
cooperatives that bring family farmers together
and create competitive economies of scale for
farming communities, and train the growers how to
grow higher quality coffee. Fair Trade Certification
guarantees a minimum price, providing economic
security for farmers and their families. When the
market is up, Fair Trade prices rise too, giving
farmers a premium for their coffee.
Since coffee is a shade-loving tree, farmers
who grow coffee in the shade of native forests find
that the natural ecosystem provides a biological
balance that keeps pests, mold, and other threats
at bay. The forest provides leaf litter and nutrient-
rich topsoil and, of course, homes for birds.
So back to the original question: How can I be a
more responsible consumer? Buy only coffee that
is labeled Fair Trade Certified, Certified Organic,
and Shade-grown. By so doing you get a better-
tasting cup of coffee, and you support farmers
who are using the forest in a sustainable manner
to support their families. Just like homegrown
tomatoes or apples at the farmers market, the best
coffee in the world comes from the family farmers
who have the time, passion, and commitment to
produce the best of the best.
Thanksgiving Coffee Co. and Tucson Audubon
Society have teamed up to bring you Vermilion
Blend, a striking medium-dark roast blend of
Central American coffees that is crafted to brew a
great cup while supporting environmental causes

26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010

 ure ­Shops
Available in our Nat
Bag of coffee—$12.00
Tucson Audubon mug—$11
.95
Chocolate bar—$3.75
eless!
A feel good moment . . . pric
Matt Brooks
Mmmm . . . coffee and chocolate. What could be a better
combination? Not to mention the environmental factors
of both (the chocolate benefits endangered species.
www.chocolatebar.com). Enjoy your coffee in a Tucson
Audubon mug!
important to the membership of Tucson Audubon
Society. Thanksgiving Coffee also features a full
variety of roast colors, decaf and regular, and a
hazelnut flavor, all made from Fair Trade Certified,
Certified Organic, and Shade Grown coffee from
Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru and Uganda, sold
under the Song-Bird Coffee brand and available in
our Nature Shops.
With Tucson Audubon’s Vermilion Blend you
can enjoy your morning cup of coffee with the
satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing the right
thing to support family farmers and sustainable
agriculture, and the migrant birds and other wildlife
that depend on the forests from which your beans
come. Maybe the Vermilion Flycatcher you just
noticed outside your window once sat on a branch
of the tree that produced the coffee you are
drinking.
For more information or to order, visit the
Tucson Audubon Nature Shop or website (www.
tucsonaudubon.org) or visit Thanksgiving Coffee
at www.thanksgivingcoffee.com. The farmers, the
songbirds, and our children will thank you.
For a list of migrant and resident birds often
found in shade-grown coffee plantations, visit
www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/coffee/species/
index.html. VF
Ben Corey-Moran
When you need a book, think of Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! Support your local book store. 520-629-0510
Product review
Vortex Razor HD 85mm Angled Scope
with 20-60 Zoom Eyepiece Stop by the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop to
see this scope for yourself!
Price
MSRP: $2000
Our regular price: $1775.99
Tucson Audubon Member price: $1599.99
Specifications
Magnification: 20-60x
Objective lens diameter: 85mm
Design: angled eyepiece only
Material: magnesium alloy body housing
An outstanding new spotting scope has come onto Close focus: 16.4 feet
the high-end optics market – the Vortex Razor Included eyepiece: 20-60 power zoom
HD 85mm. Amazingly, the price tag rings in at Eye relief at 20x: 20mm
only half what other high end scopes cost, so that
Eye relief at 60x: 18mm
alone should be enough to catch your eye. Once
you are able to test out the scope, you will quickly Field of view at 20x: 117 ft. at 1000 yards
see that optics and construction quality weren’t Field of view at 60x: 60 ft. at 1000 yards
compromised, and what you get is a scope that Length: 15.25 inches
competes strongly with high-end scopes such as Weight: 65.7 oz.
Zeiss and Swarovski, but at a fraction of the cost.
Coatings: Vortex XR anti-reflection lens
The Razor HD genuinely feels like it has taken coatings
the best attributes of other high-end scopes and
combined them into a single product. Optically, the
85mm lens gives excellent clarity and resolution;
in part because of the use of “extra-low dispersion”
glass to limit chromatic aberration. The depth of
field when at full magnification is matched by only a Tucson Audubon
couple other scopes (60 feet at 1000 yards), while Nature Shops
the rubberized body presents a comfortable grip
When you support your local Tucson
over a rugged, well-made casing.
Audubon Society you are supporting birds
The scope features dual focus knobs (rough
and bird habitat conservation. Thank you!
and fine), and both are smooth and easy to set
where you need them. As with all high end scopes, SHOP HOURS
the Razor is waterproof and gas-purged (with
argon) to prevent moisture from getting inside the
Main Shop
Monday–Saturday 10 am–4  pm,
body. It also comes with a protective case and
except Monday & Thursday until 5  pm
Vortex’s excellent life-time no-fault unconditional Phone: 629-0510
warranty—two more reasons to give this scope On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue.
serious consideration when making a purchase.
Agua Caliente Park Shop
VF
Matt Brooks
May & June: Thursday, Friday & Saturday,
9 am–3:30  pm
Phone: 760-7881
From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on
Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail,
continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd,
continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north).
Thursday Bird Walk 8:00 am
Loaner binoculars available, meet in front of
the ranch house. For more information call
Pima County Parks and Rec. 615-7855.
Doris Evans
For permit requests and general information about
park rules and regulations call 749-3718
Master birding class at Sweetwater Wetlands
May–June 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27
 NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON, AZ
300 E University Blvd, #120 PERMIT #1345
Tucson, AZ 85705

Change Service Requested

Vermilion Flycatcher
Volume 55, Number 3 May–June 2010
The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the
Tucson Audubon Society, a chapter of the National
Audubon Society. National Audubon Society members
and members of other chapters may receive the
Flycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson Audubon.
See membership at www.tucsonaudubon.org.

Birdathon is racing On!

$25,000 Chip in and cheer on Tucson Audubon!
This year we’re off to a flying start and together we have
already raised more than $14,000!

There’s still time to get your team together for a fun day’s
birding through May 9. To register or make a pledge
online please visit www.tucsonaudubon.dojiggy.com.
$12,500 You can make a donation or pledge in support of Tucson

Jean Barchman
Audubon’s conservation and environmental education
programs through May 17.

Birdathoners, contact us to report your totals and get your pledges

in by May 17 to count for prizes. Then, come celebrate with us
at the Birdy Brunch on May 23! We’ll toast your Birdathon
$0 success and award great prizes including gear, optics, Violet-crowned Hummingbird / gERORGE wEST

dining, birding travel! Join us to share food and stories

from 9 to 11 am in the Historic Y courtyard.
60% *as of 4/27

Remember: raise $50 or more and earn a cool souvenir

t-shirt! Keep your eyes on the Grand Prize, an Ecuador
birding trip for two.

Thanks to our sponsors Hughes Federal Credit Union and

Tropical Birding!

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates • See page 10 for Living with Nature / Membership Meeting details.
28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher May–June 2010