Vermilion

Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org

f l y c a t c h e r
July–August 2010 | Volume 55, Number 4
5

Monsoon!
3 El Niño, La Niña, and the Monsoon
12 Sparrows of Summer
10 The Birds of Summer
11 What’s in a Name?
Botteri’s Sparrow

PLUS a special
Birds & Business
directory pull-out

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
 Features
VERMILION
Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org

10 The Birds of Summer

11 What’s in a Name? Botteri’s Sparrow F L Y C A T C H E R
July–August 2010 | Volume 55, Number 4
5

12 Sparrows of Summer
Monsoon!
3 El Niño, La Niña, and The Monsoon
Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving Departments 12 Sparrows of Summer

the quality of the environment by providing

10 Birds of Summer
11 What’s in a Name?
education, conservation, and recreation programs, 3 Commentary Botteri’s Sparrow

environmental leadership, and information. Tucson 4 News Roundup

Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of
people with a common interest in birding and natural 8 Events and Classes
history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library, 8 Events Calendar
and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which
benefit all of its programs. 14 Conservation and Education News
Tucson Audubon Society 16 Conservation Corner
300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 17 Field Trips PLUS a special
629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) Birds & Business

All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. 20 Birding Travel from our Business Partners directory pull-out

www.tucsonaudubon.org 21 Birds & Business Alliance TUCSON AUDUBON’S BI-MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE

Board Officers & Directors 21 Classified Ads

President Herb Trossman
Vice President Mich Coker 22 Nature Shops Front cover: Grasshopper Sparrow by
Secretary Robert Merideth Tom Munson of Spokane, Washington. You can view
23 Bookends
Treasurer Lindsey Quesinberry
more of Tom’s photos at www.pbase.com/clinton62/root.
Directors at Large Richard Fray, Sandy Elers, Julie Gordon,
Linda Greene, Neil Markowitz, Liz Payne, Cynthia Pruett, To have your photographs considered for use in the
Jessie Shinn, Linda Stitzer
Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie, Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at
Development Sandy Elers, Education Cynthia Pruett, mgriffiths@tucsonaudubon.org.
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
The Juicy Season
Rare Bird Alert Andrew Core | Report Rare Birds 629-0510 Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager
Staff (unless otherwise stated, dial 629-0510 plus extension)
Executive Director Paul Green ext 7001 If I could choose a name for the monsoon, I’d call it Monsoon is the
Finance and Operations Brad Paxton ext 7014
Accountant Michelle Bourgeois ext 7003 the “Juicy Season.” pubescence of the
Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman ext 7002 Monsoon is our second summer, following year. The veins of
Special Projects Erin Olmstead ext 7009 the rippling, dry heat of the desert foresummer. It the desert begin to

Anita Pittenger
Education & Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks ext 7007
IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor ext 7004 splits the summer between dry and wet, and is the flow. Washes are wet.
IBA Program Assistant–Biologist reason we have five seasons. Juices flow in plants that
Jennie MacFarland ext 7005
Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen ext 7006
The May and June foresummer is the formerly only thought of dormancy and survival.
Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 overactive child—hot and fast moving. Wind and Leaves emerge, and the thoughts of flowers and
Restoration/Communications Specialist dust on the fly; shrubs and trees are its playthings. fruit begin to form. Vines grow where they never
Matthew Griffiths 971-7924
Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom ext 7013 Eddies sweep across the desert, moving two had before.
University Shop Manager Sara Pike ext 7008 directions at once. It remakes the desert after the With moisture comes a different, more
Volunteer Coordinator/Agua Caliente rebirth of spring, like a child’s hand smoothing purposeful kind of activity. It is closer to adulthood,
Shop Manager Becky Aparicio ext 7011
Tucson Audubon Nature Shops the dry dust before drawing in it a flower or a to reproduction and garden tending. It has a goal
300 E University Blvd #120 629-0510 smiley face. in mind, unlike the child. But maturity of mind is far
623-3476 fax / 629-0510 Shop Manager In June life is crepuscular; underground, waiting off, awaiting autumn’s cool. Mountain, moisture,
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 am–4  pm (5 pm Mon & Thu)
for sunset. The troubling daytime air carries no and wind conflict like strong personalities, playing
Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881
Hours: 9 am–3:30 pm Thu (July and August) heat itself and quickly falls asleep at night, quiet their forces out across the landscape. Tension
and cool. Animals do a brief dance against the inevitably builds and creatures take cover, dodging
darkening sky, unafraid of the the hail stones and lightning bolts that are an
marauding child’s glare. inevitable part of the emergence of life.
Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly. For address The desert emerges stronger and sweeter after
changes or subscription problems call 629-0510, or write
to Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E.
the passing violence. There are strong odors,
Both photos Kendall Kroesen

University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions are many of them good. There is calm and cool—the
due the 1st of the month, two months before the date of the air has lost its edge. There’s a tropical sensibility.
issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF
documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at mgriffiths@
This is when the juices flow. We drink the
tucsonaudubon.org. “aguas” of sandía, melón, and tamarindo. Corn and
Coordinator Matt Griffiths 971-7924 squash mature, one wound around the other, with
Proofreaders Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 and help from adult gardeners. This is when we eat
Tucson Audubon staff and board members
Design/Layout Eng-Li Green and drink.  VF

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010

 Guest Commentary
Chuck George
El Niño, La Niña, and the Monsoon
The unique season we call “monsoon”
is something southern Arizonans
anticipate with the same passion as
Wildcats playoffs, the holidays, rodeo,
and Match Play. We make it through a
long, hot period in May and June, with
the payoff being the thirst-quenching
Monsoon rain that gives humans, wildlife,
and vegetation the wherewithal to make it
through to October when days are shorter
and temperatures are, well, temperate.
The monsoon, which gets its name
from an Arabic term meaning “seasonal
change in wind pattern,” is still, with its
fierce presence making it impossible to
miss, often misunderstood.
How it forms
The North American monsoon
develops out of two basic scientific
principles. First, that warm air is light
and buoyant while cool air is heavy and
dense. Second, that rising air begets low
pressure while sinking air begets high
pressure.
As the deserts of northwest Mexico and
southwest United States bake in June, a
thermal, or “heat”, low pressure system
forms. This has with it the characteristic
of counter-clockwise flow. At the same
time, the Four Corners region, where the
elevation is higher, is relatively cool. Over
this area (think northeast Arizona), an
area of high pressure forms in response
to the sinking, cool air. High pressure
has clockwise flow. The two systems,
the thermal low and the Four Corners
high, act as a conveyor belt for moisture,
pumping the air from Mexico, the Pacific
Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico into our state
(see Figure 1).
Chuck George / KOLD Channel 13
Figure 1: High pressure forms over the Four Corners,
while low pressure forms near Yuma.
The unique season we call
“monsoon” is something
southern Arizonans
anticipate with the same
passion as Wildcats
playoffs, the holidays,
rodeo and Match Play.
Terminology
Although commonly called the
“monsoon season,” the term is a bit
redundant. Since “monsoon” means
“seasonal change in wind pattern,”
saying “monsoon season” is like saying
“seasonal change in wind pattern
season.” Instead, it should just simply be
called “THE MONSOON.”
Last Year
Monsoon ’09 was a bust, likely
because El Niño rapidly developed
in May, 2009. El Niño is anomalously
warm sea surface temperatures in the
equatorial Pacific, from South America
westward. Although El Niño is responsible
for relatively wet winters in Arizona, in
the summer months it pushes monsoon
moisture south and east of us. In 2009,
the monsoon only brought a bit over two
inches of rain, about a third of normal.
This Year
The good news is that El Niño has
weakened. Interestingly, the latest sea-
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3
John Hunnicutt
surface temperatures in the Pacific are
beginning to show a quick turnaround to
La Niña conditions, El Niño’s opposite.
Typically, La Niña will help keep west-
to-east winds at bay in the Southwest,
resulting in increased flow of monsoon
moisture into Arizona from the south.
Safety
It’s worth remembering that flash
flooding is the leading cause of weather
related deaths in Arizona. So, although
the monsoon is greeted mostly with
excitement by Arizona’s desert-hardy
inhabitants, it can be quite dangerous.
Only six inches of flowing water can
sweep a car into a raging wash. Lightning,
microbursts, and blinding dust storms also
pose a threat to life and property. This
monsoon, let’s all stay informed and safe,
making enjoying the season a snap.   VF
Chuck George is the Chief Meteorologist
at KOLD Channel 13 at 5, 6, and 10 pm in
Tucson. He is the recipient of many awards
for his informative weathercasts. A University
of Arizona graduate (master of engineering in
water resources), he received a bachelor of
science in meteorology from the University of
Oklahoma. He continues his love of learning
by keeping up with all the changes in earth
science, and imparting his knowledge to his
viewers each evening.

Tucson Audubon
News Roundup
A Great Big Birdathon THANK YOU!
Mark your calendars for next season:
April 8 through May 8, 2011
Erin Olmstead, Special Projects
Kendall Kroesen
Left to right: Bearded Tyrannulets arguing finer points of bird ID during their Birdathon
big day; youngest Birdathoner, Jules Wyman, raised over $1,100 for Tucson Audubon
and took home a great new pair of Vortex Razor 10x42 binoculars for his efforts; Kendall
Kroesen raised more than $3,500 and received a high five and the Grand Prize of a well-
deserved Tropical Birding Ecuador tour from Erin Olmstead at the Birdy Brunch.
Thank you to all who contributed to
Birdathon 2010! Sixty participants
(including 17 first-time Birdathoners!)
made up this year’s crew of twenty
teams, sharing the Birdathon
experience with more than 350
supporters in our local community and
beyond! Thanks to your dedication
and generosity, Tucson Audubon is
the real winner. Together we met our
goal, raising over $25,000 for Tucson
Audubon’s important conservation and
environmental education programs.
At the recent Birdy Brunch, several
top Birdathoners were recognized for
their outstanding efforts with some
exciting prizes. Kendall Kroesen of the
Bearded Tyrannulets took Birdathon
fundraising to the extreme this year,
collecting 67 individual pledges and
over $3,500! He is the Grand Prize
winner of a well-deserved Tropical
Birding northwest Ecuador tour for
two!
The Most Species Seen glory
belongs to The Gonzo Birders,
expertly led by Tucson Audubon
volunteer and pro-birder John
Yerger. They earned their spot on
4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
the Birdathon Plaque of Honor by
recording 142 species on their big
day. Matt Griffiths and his “24 Hours
in the Old Pueblo” teammates ticked
120 hard-earned species by bike,
garnering the Low Carbon Birdathon
title and goodies from The Ordinary
Bike Shop. Our friendly Agua Caliente
Park Nature Shop volunteers,
captained by Becky Aparicio, tallied
80 species right in their “backyard”
around the park; to celebrate, the Bird
Brains will enjoy a pizza party from
Brooklyn Pizza Company. Top youth
birder (and youngest Birdathoner)
Jules Wyman raised over $1,100 for
Tucson Audubon and took home a
great new pair of Vortex Razor 10x42
binoculars for his efforts!
Finally, many of this year’s
participants earned a limited edition
T-shirt featuring Rick Wheeler’s
superb artwork. Birdathoners: This is
your badge of honor and a great way
to share the excitement all year—wear
them with pride! (Someone stopped
me in the grocery store recently to
ask all about Birdathon when I was
wearing mine!)
Paul & Eng-Li Green
Special thanks go to our All-Star
leaders Gavin Bieber, Rich Hoyer,
Larry Liese, Scott Olmstead, and
John Yerger for lending their time,
talent, and enthusiasm to this year’s
event. Get ready for more fun,
expert-led offerings in 2011! We
sincerely appreciate the support of our
Birdathon sponsors, Tropical Birding
and Hughes Federal Credit Union,
and for the great prizes generously
donated by the Arizona-Sonora Desert
Museum, Beyond Bread, Birder’s
Diary, birdJam, Bookman’s, Brooklyn
Pizza Company, The International
Wildlife Museum, The Ordinary Bike
Shop, REI, Summit Hut, Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop, Vortex Optics,
and The Wild Bird Store.
To read some highlights from this
year’s team outings, visit Tucson
Audubon’s new blog: www.blog.
tucsonaudubon.org.
Tucson Audubon Scores a Green Hat-trick!
Volunteer Days is a project of the
TogetherGreen program (a National
Audubon program funded by Toyota)
that seeks to engage more persons
who have never volunteered before,
and who represent populations that
are rarely engaged by environmental
volunteer programs. Kendall Kroesen,
the brains behind pulling the volunteer
days together, has just secured our
third consecutive grant—a “green
hat-trick” of grants—for the increased
amount of $9,000. Over the next
year, we will be organizing at least
12 volunteer events in partnership
with other organizations. If you want
Tucson Audubon
Meets with Other
Urban Audubon
Chapters
Paul Green, Executive Director
Representing Tucson Audubon, one
of the most effective urban Audubon
chapters in the country, I meet almost
yearly with the leaders of other similar
chapters around the country. In
June, I joined the leaders of Portland
Audubon, Seattle Audubon, Golden
Gate Audubon, Audubon Society
of Western Pennsylvania, and New
York City Audubon to discuss issues
of mutual concern. By meeting in the
offices of National Audubon in New
York City, we were able also to meet
with staff of National Audubon.
Frank Gill, President of National
Audubon, Dan Rutberg, Chief
Information and Administrative Officer,
and Chuck Remington, Director of
Field Support also joined us. While
much of the time was spent in
“executive director talk” perhaps the
greatest outcome of the meeting was
active encouragement by President
Gill for the chapters to cooperate
in initiating a collaborative urban-
focused project that could be tested in
different cities across the nation.
Chapter leaders from across the
country will be headed for Tucson
for the next meeting of the Audubon
Urban Chapter Network in February
2011.
to register as a Tucson Audubon
volunteer, please contact our
Volunteer Coordinator Becky Aparicio
at 520-209-1811 or baparicio@
tucsonaudubon.org.
Kendall Kroesen
Young TogetherGreen volunteers haul
away giant reed roots. See p 9 for more
photos of TogetherGreen events.
 Tanque Verde Wash—an “IBA” Site Under
Study—Provides Important Bird Habitat and
Birding Close to Town
Jennie MacFarland, IBA Program Assistant–Biologist, Tucson Audubon Society
Both photos Scott Wilbor
Tanque Verde Wash begins in Coronado National Forest and extends westward to its confluence with the Pantano Wash to form the Rillito
River at Craycroft Rd. Unofficial access to the Tanque Verde Wash is by many north-south road crossings. Audubon’s IBA Program is
working to bring attention and conservation to this highly valuable bird habitat in the eastern Sonoran desert and within the Tucson basin.
Not only are there many Important
Bird Areas that are fantastic birding
destinations near Tucson, several
IBAs are also truly wonderful areas
perfect for bird watching right here
in town. A great example of an IBA
birding gem on the edge of Tucson
is Tanque Verde Wash, an area we
have been surveying since 2009 for
future IBA recognition. The reach we
are investigating extends from the
Coronado National Forest–Rincon
District to Craycroft Road. This large,
winding wash is thick with riparian
vegetation bordered by mesquite
bosque. Our IBA surveys to date (3
IBA teams, 4 locations, 18 surveys)
have found that the diverse vegetation
along the wash provides habitat for
106 species, including classic riparian
and desert birds as well as some
rarities.
Some familiar species seen here in
abundance by IBA surveyors include
Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned
Sparrow, Phainopepla, and Anna’s
Hummingbird. Tanque Verde Wash
is also home to many species of
conservation concern. Six species
on the Audubon WatchList have
been recorded here. These species
are “Yellow” listed Abert’s Towhee
(11.6 individuals/linear kilometer)
and Lucy’s Warbler (6.1/lin. km)
which can be found in relatively high
abundance, along with Brewer’s
Sparrow (6.1/lin. km), occasional
Rufous-winged Sparrow (0.5/lin. km),
and even Elf Owl in the upper reaches.
Bell’s Vireo (9.3/lin. km), a WatchList
“Red” listed species (highest concern),
can also be found here although, as
experts at hiding in foliage, they are
more often heard than seen. Two other
species of conservation status, quite
remarkably close to the city, are a shy
pair of Gray Hawks nesting on the
wash and, often undercover, nesting
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets.
This is an area the Arizona IBA
Program is trying to conserve and
steward. Our recent IBA Stewardship
event on May 8 mapped and
cataloged about 100 “stressors”
(in 4 km), primarily invasive plant
patches, but also walls/fences,
dump piles, and clearing of riparian
habitat. We plan to address some
of these “stressors” this fall. Pima
County Flood Control District
has been our key partner, and
has helped us provide guidance
materials to landowners along the
wash, distributing a “riparian values”
brochure that we produced with
funding from the county.
While conducting IBA surveys, I
have encountered some striking bird
drama that ranks high in my lifetime
birding nostalgia. One morning a
Red-tailed Hawk fell out of the sky,
snatched a small rodent from the sand
less than 20 meters from us, and
proceeded to enjoy his breakfast in
a nearby tree. Another survey began
with hearing a Great-horned Owl
calling nearby and being answered
by another one on the other side of
the wash. Later that morning we were
able to see both of the owls napping,
occasionally waking to sleepily call to
each other. If you would like to explore
a riparian haven for birds without
leaving town, check out Tanque Verde
Wash. I hope you too will encounter
some bird drama you will not soon
forget.
Farewell to Sam
The IBA Program bids Samantha
Barnett, our recent University of
Arizona work-study student, a fond
farewell after spending the last 8 ½
months with program.  Sam was an
exceptional IBA Program Assistant
who was tremendously efficient and
dedicated to excellence in all her
work, assisting the program in many
facets, including IBA bird survey and
volunteer data management, GIS
mapping, IBA Team bird surveys,
plus assisting in the preparation of
a recently completed major report of
our 2009 avian studies on the Lower
San Pedro River.  Sam has taken an
internship with Saguaro National Park.  relishes her new Audubon work and
We wish her well and continued great
success in all her endeavors.
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
New Tucson Audubon IBA
Program Team Member!
Scott Wilbor, IBA Program
Conservation Biologist
The Important Bird Areas Program at
Tucson Audubon welcomes Jennie
MacFarland to the team! Jennie’s
position will be Arizona IBA Program
Assistant–Biologist. We are most
excited to have Jennie join us as
she brings needed skills as a recent
graduate in wildlife conservation and
management from the University
of Arizona, and already has IBA
experience through her previous
volunteer efforts and training with
the program. Jennie is passionate
about working to conserve birds,
and brings great enthusiasm to her
work. In one three-day period this
past May (before she was hired later
that month), she did an early morning
IBA survey on day one, a 16-hour
Birdathon for Tucson Audubon
on day two (her team won!), then
followed that by participating in an
IBA Stewardship event on day three
… and then worked her other job at
the time, that same weekend! Jennie
easily handled the challenging IBA
field work of the remote Cabeza Prieta
National Wildlife Refuge wilderness
this past winter, and now will be
integral in our summer San Pedro
River and Patagonia field work.
Jennie continues to volunteer for the
Hummingbird Monitoring Network.
She will help with our Avian Science
Initiative including assisting our IBA
teams, using her biology background
to analyze our bird survey data, and
she will help move our results to our
partners and communities to advance
IBA conservation. Jennie obviously
the new people she gets to work
with. We hope you get to meet her
soon, too!
 Tucson Audubon
News Roundup
Flycatching Around the World
Tucson Audubon members are
extraordinary travelers and their
birding interests take them to just
about every continent, including
Antarctica! We’d love to share your
experiences so send us some photos
of where you go and what you do
when you are there. Include a shot
Mike Byers
Left to right: Tucson Audubon’s Volunteer Coordinator Becky Aparicio with Embera Indians
at the Río Chagres, Panamá. Mike Byers, Tucson Audubon volunteer, sharing Vermilion
Flycatcher with Discovery tour leader and Panama Audubon Society member, Octavio
Rios, at the Gatun Dam in the Panama Canal.
Living Lightly in the Desert
Tucson Audubon is pleased to
become the fiscal sponsor for Desert
Dwellers’ Centers (DDC). Their
mission is to promote wise desert
living practices regarding regional
heritage, water, energy, and land
use. Both Tucson Audubon and
DDC focus on education to help
people understand the workings of
our natural world, to promote natural
resource conservation, and to develop
citizen advocates for conservation.
Desert Dwellers’ Centers will
become a network of collaborative
and accessible community education
hubs where residents connect with
a wealth of regional resources, and
where local desert knowledge is
shared.
DDC will operate as a project of
Tucson Audubon and work under
our 501(c)(3) IRS status. Barb Skye
Siegel will run the program. In 2000,
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
Tucson Audubon at Southwest Wings
Birding & Nature Festival
Summer heat got you down? Well,
Jo Ann Woodley
grab your binoculars and head to
of you reading your latest issue of Sierra Vista for the 19th annual
the Vermilion Flycatcher in an exotic Southwest Wings Birding & Nature
locale and we might publish it. A fun, Festival on August 5–9, 2010.
surprise gift from Tucson Audubon Many people don’t realize that
is the prize. Email with “On the August is one of the best times to
road again” in subject line to Becky, watch birds in southeastern Arizona.
baparicio@tucsonaudubon.org or Southbound migrants are already on
Matt, mgriffiths@tucsonaudubon.org. the move, while our local summer
breeders are still here. This creates
a dynamic mix of bird species and
makes for fantastic birding. For
example, where else in North America
can you see 10–12 species of
hummingbirds at one feeding station? festival. This year we’ll have a large
Only here! Plus, the fun extends setup that includes our Nature Shop
beyond birds, with festival trips as well as a booth with activities. We
and talks that specialize in insects, look forward to seeing many of our
mammals, and much more! This members at the event!
Becky Aparicio
year’s keynote speaker is Tucson’s For more information on Southwest
own Rick Taylor. Wings and to sign up for trips, visit
Don’t forget to stop by the www.swwings.org, or email info@
Tucson Audubon booth at the swwings.org.
Tucson Audubon’s Fiscal Year 2009
Revenue and Expenses Summary
Brad Paxton, Finance and Operations Manager
Barb initiated the “Sonoran Desert Revenue $1,144,200
Weedwackers” to restore desert Expenses (1,140,700)
habitat. The group has removed more Investment Activity (51,900)
than 120 tons of invasive African Net $(48,400)
grasses from desert habitats with the
help of thousands of volunteers. Shop
20% Contributions
DDC is seeking funds to create a 23%
travelling adult educational program
and exhibit to teach residents how Other
to improve and maintain their desert 5%
Revenue
homes, gardens and neighborhoods
Memberships
to maximize affordability, energy 6%
efficiency, domestic comfort, and
improve property values. Grants
By becoming a fiscal sponsor, 46%
Tucson Audubon acts as a sponsor Restoration
21%
for Desert Dwellers since it does
not have its own tax-exempt status. Shop
25%
Grants or contributions to Desert
Dwellers Centers are made to Tucson
Audubon who manages those
Outreach
funds on a fee-based contractual Expenses Fundraising 16%
7%
arrangement.
Administration
Unaudited 11%
Conservation
Education
14%
6%

Volunteer News Roundup
Becky Aparicio, Volunteer Coordinator
New Volunteers
Janet May—Mailing
Marcee Sherrill—Main Shop Sales
Sharon Bale—ACP Shop Sales
Carolyn Haldar—IBA
Lorien Tersey—Mason Center
Thanks
Thanks to all who helped with the
Ironwood Festival in May. Many
of you jumped in to assist where
needed, and this made the day a
great success. A very special thank
you to Betty McElhill who spent many
weeks sorting and pricing more than
a thousand dusty books and getting
them ready for the sale, as well as
coming early on festival day to assist
in their sales. Also I’m grateful for all
the tabling event crews that made
the May and June extra community
events run smoothly.
New VOLUNTEER Wanted
We have many opportunities for
volunteers: I am particularly looking
for tabling event volunteers. Call
Becky at 209-1811, 760-7881, or
email baparicio@tucsonaudubon.org.
August 5–9 Southwest Wings.
Liz Harrison and Rick Edwards are
spearheading this four-day birding
and nature event in Sierra Vista, the
coolest place to be in SE Arizona.
Both photos Matt Griffiths
Many volunteers are needed to
display, sell, meet and greet the
thousands of folk who visit from all
over the nation. This is an exciting
event that will also give volunteers an
opportunity to enjoy lectures and field
trips. See www.swwings.org.
Living with Nature Lecture Series.
Two volunteers are needed to greet
and sign in guests for this series,
which begins in September 2010 and
runs through May 2011
Volunteer Orientation
September 29, 9:30–11:30 am
Volunteer Orientation for oldies
and goodies as well as our new
volunteers. Meg Quinn, author and
volunteer program coordinator for
Pima County Natural Resources,
Parks and Recreation will present
“Gardening for Birds and Butterflies.”
Meg has been a long-time member
of Tucson Audubon and will present
a program on birds, butterflies and
plants. Meet the staff of Tucson
Audubon as well and enjoy some
morning refreshments.
Below, top to bottom: Jayne Raffety (left)
and Becky Aparicio at Tucson Audubon’s
Natural History Used Book Sale booth
during the Ironwood Festival at Tucson
Audubon’s Mason Center; Desert
Harvesters at the Ironwood Festival.
VOLUNTEER OF THE Month
Doris Abrams needed to get her
retired husband Larry out of her
hair at least part of the day, once
in a while, so she signed him up
for volunteer duty at Agua Caliente
Park’s Nature Shop. The “other”
shop for Tucson Audubon has
had the privilege of his help since
the spring of 2005 when the shop
opened its doors, and Larry has
been keeping us in bad jokes ever
since. He’s also been the mainstay
of the Bird Brains Birdathon team
and its principal money gleaner.
In his own words:
“Larry and his favorite wife, Doris,
grew up in the Chicago area where weeks in Zihuatanejo, Mexico,
they were a successful husband and where Larry, known as the birdbrain
wife bank robbing team. Because of of Zihuatanejo, takes beginning
the high price of gasoline for their and advanced birders out to see
getaway car, they retired in 2001 birds. Doris, an SOB (a spouse of
and moved to Tucson. Doris now a birder), has two birds on her life
teaches beginning napping, while list, big birds and small birds. Larry
Larry teaches several advanced also writes for an English-language
napping courses. They are reverse monthly magazine www.ADIP.info
snowbirds, spending 6 to 8 winter that is available in Zihuatanejo.”
Happy Birthday!
Best wishes to our July birthday members: Michelle
Bourgeois, Fran Raffone, Michael Monyak, Barrie Ryan,
Herb Trossman, and Henry Reed.
Best wishes to our August birthday members: Rodd Lancaster,
Patricia McConnell, Colleen Meigs, and Caroline Patrick
To sign up for our Happy Birthday program, please email Jean Barchman at
jbarchman@tucsonaudubon.org
Welcome new members!
Jim and Neen Alrutz, Shirin Antia, Bryna Ben-Asher, Mariana Carreras, Helen
Clark, Michelle Davidson, Silvine and Stewart Farnell, Christopher Florence,
Quentin Florence, Donald Goodliffe, Olga Harbour, Rob Hastings, Yorel
Vanessa Hayes, Julie Heilman, Diane Heimann, Kathleen Hill, Barbara Kitz,
Richard and Cora Lawsky, Hal and Carol Lowry, Carol MacLean, Rodger
Martin, Owen and Arlene McCaffrey, Colleen Meigs, Mark Nall, Henry Reed,
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Reed, Ruth Romaro, Mary Sasse, Martin and Coe Marie
Slattery, Jerome and Natalie Smith, Gwen and Gerald Swanson, Larisa
Thomas, Cynthia Thonvold, Dr. Brian and Christy Walker, John Woods
WELCOME NEW BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBERS
Cat Mountain Lodge as a Copper Level member
Living Fence as a Copper Level member
Swaim Associates Ltd Architects AIA as a Gold Level member VF
Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7
 Tucson Audubon
Events and Classes
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, using infrared
imaging, bats literally attacking the feeders after
dark. Dr. Ronnie Sidner also will 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,
Moving to Mastery and Specialty Workshops
Fall 2010–Spring 2011
Moving to Mastery
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
Tucson Audubon Education at education@
tucsonaudubon.org at 629-0510 x7012.
Classes will be held at Tucson Audubon and
the Nature Shop will be open beforehand for
your convenience.
Watch for new programs next year,
and for the return of old favorites!
8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
Events Calendar
August 5–9. Southwest Wings Birding &
Nature Festival (details p 6)
August 19 & 20. Happy Bird Day at Tucson
Audubon’s Nature Shops (details p 22)
September 1 & 4. Specialty Workshop:
Warblers (details below)
September 8 & 11. Specialty Workshop:
Éamonn O’Brien-Strain
Flycatchers (details below)
September 10–11. Go Batty in September
(details left)
September 29. Volunteer Orientation
(details p 7)
October 6–November 12. Tucson Audubon
Naturalists training (details p 21)
October 13–November 10. Moving to
September 11, at Linda Pfister’s in Nogales. Only Mastery class (details below)
twelve spots are available at each location so set
Dennis Palmer
aside the date now. Registration is $30 for Tucson
Audubon members, $65 for nonmembers and
includes finger foods and beverages. Admission
is free for one child (age 10–15) per adult. To sign
up, call 629-0510 x7012 or email education@
tucsonaudubon.org.
Brown-crested Flycatcher | Robert Shantz
Specialty Workshops
These individual workshops focus on some of the
more difficult families of birds: warblers, sparrows,
raptors, and flycatchers. Each class will focus on a
specific family and boost your identification skills.
Warblers: September 1 & 4, 2010
Flycatchers: September 8 & 11, 2010
Sparrows: January 26 & 29, 2011
Raptors: February 2 & 5, 2011
Each class consists of one
Wednesday evening
classroom session
ns
| Jim & Deva Bur
and one Saturday
all-day field trip.
Cost is $110 ($145
for non-members
d Chat
but includes
aste
membership)
b re
Class size is limited to 10
w-
lo
people.
l
Ye
Available in our Nature ­Shops
Homer Hansen’s trio of “mini-guides” are user-friendly,
waterproof and tear-resistant, and great field references
for anyone birding in Arizona. $6.95 each
All TG photos Kendall Kroesen

A P hoto R ecap of R ecent T ucson A u d u b on events

TogetherGreen Volunteer Days (above left to right): Project MORE students install a rain garden; a volunteer hauls giant reed out of Sabino Creek; giant reed volunteers pose with the
TogetherGreen banner (TogetherGreen funded all these efforts; see p 4 for more about the new grant award that will fund further volunteer events over the next year).
Ironwood Festival (below left to right): Nancy Zierenberg of Arizona Native Plant Society demonstrates flower parts identification; Jim Dawson, formerly of the Arizona Sonora Desert
Museum, and an assistant show a Harris’s Hawk; Ed Moll of Tucson Herpetological Society shares his gopher snake.

Matt Griffiths
Matt Griffiths

Philip Fortnam
Matt Griffiths

Matt Brooks

Matt Brooks
Philip Fortnam
Jamie Wolgast

Riparian Family Institute (counter-clockwise from above left): Phaius Wolgast and Phoebe Drew-Moore goof around; Matt Brooks leads a session on riparian habitats; Olivia Issac gets
personal one-on-one time with a desert denizen; Cathryn and Maya Rose study aquatic life in the San Pedro River; relaxing at Riparian Family Institute.

Institute of Desert Ecology (far left): Students, faculty,

staff, and volunteers pose for a Class of 2010 group photo.
Important Bird Areas (left): The IBA Program and its
volunteers explored deep into one of the most remote
wilderness areas in the lower 48 states this past February,
at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, to document bird
species of conservation concern (Le Conte’s Thrasher and
others). Next year, we again will be exploring this expansive
Matt Griffiths

lower Sonoran desert in the western quadrant of the

Refuge. Get IBA training this November and look for survey
opportunities in late January 2011. VF

July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9

Where to Go, Birds to See
The Birds of Summer
Matt Brown
One of the most frequent questions
I get asked by visiting birders is, “What
is the best time of year to come birding
here?” As it turns out, the answer I give
is a two-month span, but mysteriously
includes the time of year when the fewest
birders are around. Unless you live for
longspurs or dabble only in ducks, my
answer is always the same: mid-July to
mid-September (i.e. “summer”), the onset
of the heat-driven summer rainy season.
First of all, if you come during the peak
of migration, like most visiting birders do,
you’ll most likely be too early for potential
early-summer Mexican vagrants. Not
until May and early June of this year did
we hear about Fan-tailed Warbler (5/7 &
5/20), Tropical Parula (5/31), and Yellow
Grosbeak (6/5) being found. Not bad, but
waiting can be even better: last year’s
“nonsoon” still provided for sightings of
Brown-backed Solitaire (7/16+), Lucifer
Hummingbird (7/30), Aztec Thrush
(7/31+), Plain-capped Starthroat (8/10+),
and Yellow-green Vireo (8/12). Clearly,
“Mexican Vagrant Season” begins after
the cool daytime temperatures and north-
bound migrants both disappear.
Prior to the rains, many species
(e.g. Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet
and Botteri’s and Cassin’s Sparrows)
that may have been conspicuous when
establishing territories and searching for
mates after arriving, fall into long periods
of quiet and inactivity while building
nests and sitting on eggs. And once
the rains begin, usually around the
4th of July, everything gets green,
Left to right: Only in the summer in Arizona can one learn
why Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were once called
“Tree-Ducks”; Plain-capped Starthroats generally show
up in July and August.
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
making more food and cover for prey
species, and more berries and seeds,
thereby making more food for birds. Most
migratory breeders time the feeding of
their young with the bounty of rainy-
season resources. Parents stay busy
all day feeding nestlings that later, as
fledglings, scuttle about learning parents’
songs, chasing and begging for food, and
generally making for conspicuous little
family parades throughout the period.
Besides the southern vagrants,
conspicuous breeders and lush environs,
certain activities can be more fun and/
or practical in the high summer. For
instance, put on some water shoes and
walk Sonoita Creek. You might find
Ruddy Ground-Dove, Green Kingfisher,
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Rose-throated
Becard, Yellow-green Vireo, Yellow
Grosbeak, or Streak-backed Oriole.
Or do a “Bird Family Big Day.” For
example, 17 flycatchers would be
possible any summer day by starting in
Patagonia, going through Rio Rico to
Madera Canyon, then finding a Willow
Flycatcher somewhere on the San Pedro
River, and cleaning up with Buff-breasted
in Carr Canyon or Fort Huachuca. Eleven
warblers, 15 “sparrows,” 14 hummingbirds
(in July), or up to 18 daytime raptors could
be searched for along similar low-to-high
routes.
Make sure to visit open grasslands
(e.g. San Rafael, Sonoita/Elgin,
Las Cienegas) and
transition grasslands
(e.g. along the San
Pedro, around
Patagonia,
along foothills of
higher ranges) to
clinch Botteri’s,
Cassin’s, and
Grasshopper
Sparrows (and
Rufous-winged,
locally) by song.
Chihuahuan Raven is easiest, visually
and vocally, in summer grasslands away
from towns, dumps, and nut-tree groves.
And Montezuma Quail numbers increase
All photos Matt Brown
Top to bottom: The first documented U.S. record of
Sinaloa Wren occurred in August, 2008; like many
summer residents, Thick-billed Kingbirds won’t be feeding
young until July.
in August and September, especially in
wet years. Scan Harshaw Road in the
Patagonia Mountains, or Ruby Road in
the Atascosa/Pajarito Mountains after
dawn and before dusk.
Take a hike to an off-the-beaten-
path seep or spring. Broad-leaved and
fruit-bearing trees collect near water in
the mountains and can be magnets for
birds such as Aztec Thrush, Fan-tailed
Warbler, Slate-throated Redstart, and
Eared Quetzal, should individuals of any
of those species happen to be nearby.
Sawmill and Comfort Springs in the
Huachucas are readily accessible; Bog,
Kent, and Sylvester Springs in Madera
Canyon and McBeth and Sprung Spring
near Josephine Saddle are all in the
Santa Ritas and can be reached with
moderate hiking.
Admittedly, forays in July through
September put you smack into the
snake-mosquito-lightning-chigger
season, but watching where you put
your feet, avoiding plant contact where
possible, staying off mountaintops and
out of drainages in the afternoon, and
wearing your personal maximum of insect
repellent will go a long way toward your
comfort and safety. I hope none of those
little things are deal-breakers, because
it’s really a lot of fun to bird here in the
summer! VF
A bird-watcher since age five, Matt Brown
moved to Patagonia in 1998. He operates The
Patagonia Birding & Butterfly Co. and can be
reached at 520-604-6300 or lifebirds.com.
 What’s in a Name?
Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names
Botteri’s Sparrow
Larry Liese
Want to see one of our area’s really
neat birds? Now is a good time of year
to get great views of a special species
difficult to see in other seasons, and
only entering the U.S. here in southeast
Arizona and the southern tip of Texas
(where it is declining). Males perch and
sing in bushes or on ocotillo stalks instead
of staying on the ground as is their usual
habit. Botteri’s Sparrow (Aimophila
botterii) can be readily found locally in
healthy pockets of ungrazed or lightly
grazed grasslands.
Botteri’s Sparrow can
be readily found locally
in healthy pockets of
ungrazed or lightly
grazed grasslands.
I’ll never forget my first good looks at
a Botteri’s Sparrow. We were in a car
looking sideways at the bird perched on
a twig about twenty feet away. It was
singing its easily recognized song; but
looking at the bird I couldn’t latch onto
much in the way of field marks. I knew
to look for a flattened head and largish
bill, but the rest of the bird just looked . . .
sparrow like! When I related this to the
other birders in the car they all laughed
and said that that was a good clue that it
actually was a Botteri’s.
Botteri’s Sparrow is a fairly large,
rather flat-headed, large-billed, and
Alan Murphy / alanmurphyphotography.com
round-tailed sparrow without
conspicuous markings.
When looking for this bird,
be wary of the similar Cassin’s
Sparrow, which sometimes
occupies nearby habitat.
Luckily the two are easily
distinguished by voice or
with more difficulty by
subtleties in plumage. The
Botteri’s song is variable
but typically consists of
a couple of one- and
two-syllable chip-like
sounds followed
by a distinctive
“bouncing-ball”
or accelerating
series of
whistled notes
that carries
quite well across distance. Its call
note is a single-syllable chip. Song of
male Cassin’s is often given in skylarking
flight (short, upwards flight intended to
impress females and maintain territory).
It consists of three sections—a high trill,
then two lower notes followed by a last
middle-toned note. Though there are
other subtle field marks to look for (break
out those field guides!), try looking for
patterns on the bird’s back. Back feather
patterns of Cassin’s have a scalloped
character, while Botteri’s show dark
brown vertical streaks. Look also for
Cassin’s rounded white tail-corners visible
in flight, though these can disappear
when worn.
Over the years there have been
a number of sparrow species placed
into and out of the genus Aimophila.
Presently the other sparrows included are
Bachman’s, Cassin’s, Rufous-crowned,
and Rufous-winged, plus a half-dozen or
so limited to Mexico, with a few ranging
as far as Costa Rica. Five-striped was
moved to Amphispiza for a bit but recently
moved back into the genus.
Interestingly, the name “Aimophila”
comes from the Greek roots aima “blood”;
and phila “fond of,” but what’s so blood-
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11
George West
loving about a sparrow?
Hmmm. Swainson is credited
with naming this genus in 1837
(A. aestibalis Bachman’s Sparrow).
Botteri’s Sparrow was first described
by Philip Lutley Sclater (1857) in the
Proceedings of the Zoological Society
of London as Zonotrichia botterii, and
later moved to Aimophila. He named it in
honor of Matteo Botteri (1808–1877), who
collected the type specimen near Orizaba
in southern Mexico. Born in Yugoslavia,
Botteri was a naturalist and collector who
lived in Mexico from 1854 until his death.
So, where to go to find one? One
easy spot you’ll probably drive by on one
of your next birding trips anyway is the
road to Madera Canyon. Although you
might encounter them anywhere from the
school in Continental to Proctor Road, try
the grassland area past the third small
bridge after the turnoff to Box Canyon (a
mile or so before Proctor). Listen for that
bouncing ball song and you’ll probably
find one perched in a bush or ocotillo.
Good luck! VF
Sparrows of the United
States and Canada. By
David Beadle and James
Rising. $29.95.The definitive
photographic guide to
sparrows and their allies.
Special Feature

Sparrows
of Summer
Homer Hansen

However, there is significant grassland habitat

One may here, and a higher diversity of grass species than
not imagine many of the plains states. Although fractured and
no longer extensive, the semidesert grassland
southeast forms small prairies of pure grass along the
Arizona as southeastern border at elevations above

Alan Murphy / alanmurphyphotography.com

4,000 feet. Elsewhere, it merges with desert
an extension and pine-oak habitat, and is interspersed with
of the North shrubs and small trees. As such, it is home to
grassland sparrows, including the Cassin’s and
American Grasshopper Sparrows, found here and east in
the prairies of the plains states, and the Botteri’s
grasslands: Sparrow, found in the semidesert grasslands of
too many Mexico (see p 11).
The semidesert grassland is adapted to this
mountains arid climate, with over 90 percent of grass growth
and low-lying from July to September, during the summer
monsoon. The typically heavy rainfall brings Grasshopper Sparrow
deserts with abundance to all habitats: the arroyos run, the
plants bear fruit and seed, insects hatch and were described as a “common post-breeding
cacti, it might emerge, and ideal conditions converge for birds summer visitant” as nests with eggs had not
seem. to breed, molt, or forage to accumulate fat for been observed! Soon after, in 1965, they were
migration. documented as breeders, but the next mystery,
One of the signs that the monsoon has arrived their apparent increase in numbers coincident
is the clear, sweet song of the Cassin’s Sparrow with the summer rains, was suggested to result
sung in flight as he descends with quivering from a mid-summer migration from the Great
wings. As with most of our secretive grassland Plains to Arizona to rear a second brood. Such
sparrows, a breeding Cassin’s is much more migration now seems unlikely, but Cassin’s
conspicuous as he perches up to sing, loudly Sparrows can show up in unexpected places,
announcing his territory. Yet even with these or their numbers can increase noticeably
prominent behaviors, the relationship of the where the rains have been abundant. A current
summer rains and Cassin’s Sparrow has had mystery is whether they are regionally nomadic
a few mysteries, some still unresolved. and opportunistically breed where conditions
In The Birds of Arizona, they are suitable.

Cassin’s Sparrow

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010

Tu c son A u d ubon’s Birds & Bus i ne s s a l l i a nce • S umme r 2 0 1 0

Give Your Business to Progressive Companies: Solipaso Tours /

El Pedregal Nature Lodge
our Birds & Business Allies
When you need the services of a business, and you value the needs of our pressured natural
environment, how do you find a business that shares your values? Now it’s easy: use a Birds
& Business Ally. Need a realtor who is sensitive to living in the desert, a bird tour company that
values conserving birds, a landscape architect who understands using desert plants, a pizza
parlor or a hotel for a visiting birder? Look no further than our Birds & Business Allies. 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.
Take a look at the list on these pages, or browse the Birds & Business section at our Nature
Shops (we have brochures and business cards of our B&BA members there). Please give your

Solipaso Tours
business to these forward thinking people and help them to thrive in these difficult times. And
if you know a company that shares our values, tell them to join the Birds & Business Alliance.
You know it makes sense!
If you are a business but not yet a member, please contact Erin Olmstead (eolmstead@ www.solipaso.com
tucsonaudubon.org or 520-209-1809) to join Tucson Audubon’s Birds & Business Alliance. David McKay
PO Box 85580
Tucson, AZ 85754
Dave_and_jen@solipaso.com
Birding Rockjumper Birding Tours 520-241-6682
Specializing in small group trips to throughout
Adventure Birding Company Mexico, with a focus on birding, along with natural
and human history, cultural insight, delicious meals
and great lodging. Offering scheduled trip dates as
well as custom itineraries. Owned and operated by
David and Jennifer Mackay and based in Alamos,
Sonora, no one does Mexico better than Solipaso.

Rockjumper Birding Tours

Tropical Birding

Special 4-page
Pull-Out
Adventure Birding

www.rockjumper.co.za

Sam Woods / Tropical Birding

Adam Riley
www.adventurebirding.com PO Box 13872 Cascades
John Yerger & Keith Kamper 3202 South Africa
4361 E Hayhurst St Pietermaritzburg, KZN 3202
Tucson, AZ 85712 info@rockjumper.co.za
info@adventurebirding.com 27 33 394 0225
814-308-4078 Rockjumper Birding Tours arranges and guides
Based in Tucson, this partnership of three guides top quality birding and wildlife tours throughout
(Keith Kamper, Jake Mohlmann & John Yerger) the world, with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, www.tropicalbirding.com
aims to provide the best guided birdwatching Madagascar and the America’s. Our team Nick Athanas
tours in the region—and have fun doing it! of professional guides are some of the most Felix Oralabal N45 y Joaquin Paredes
Combined, we have 30+ years of experience experienced in the industry and our tours Quito, Ecuador
leading trips throughout North America. All are very offer unbeatable birding experiences and value info@tropicalbirding.com
accommodating, personable, and skilled in the field. for money. 800-348-5941
Tropical Birding is an international tour company
Economy Birding Services, Inc. offering set-departure and custom tours all over
the world. Our tours are led by experienced, full-
“Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind”
time guides who are fun to be with, and they make
www.economybirding.com
every effort to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Clifford A. Cathers
13535 S Sundown Ranch Rd
Vail, AZ 85641
AZCliffy@Q.com
520-762-3201
Birding

Economy Birding Services, Inc. is locally owned

and operated professional bird tour company
dedicated to providing the highest quality guiding
services at budget friendly prices. Tour my
Paul & Eng-Li Green

website at http://www.economybirding.com and

ask for a free quotation! Discounts provided
for seniors and multiple day bookings. Budget
Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest.

¬ V i s i t w w w . t u c s o n a u d u b o n . o r g / j o i n - aa m p - s u p p o r t / b u s i n e s s - m e m b e r s . h t m l ¬ 1
 Tu c son A u d ubon’s Birds & Bus i ne s s a l l i a nce • S umme r 2 0 1 0
Lodging
Casa Adobe Inn
www.CasaAdobe.net
Harry Ridgway & Paula Jenkins
181 Old Highway 80
Rodeo, NM 88056
ridgway@vtc.net
877-557-2275
Welcome to Casa Adobe B&B located in
picturesque Rodeo, New Mexico! Your stay
promises unsurpassed comfort and privacy in
a rustic southwest adobe hacienda. Numerous
feeders invite a diversity of birds onto the secluded
landscaped grounds against a stunning backdrop of
nearby mountains and desert vistas. For information
and bookings please visit www.CasaAdobe.net or
call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 (or 575-557-7777).
Casa de San Pedro
Bed & Breakfast
www.bedandbirds.com
Karl Schmitt & Patrick Dome
8933 S Yell Lane
Hereford, AZ 85615
bedandbirds@aol.com
888-257-2050
Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast is a
nationally-acclaimed Arizona inn 90 miles from
Tucson, near Ramsey Canyon, Bisbee, and Sierra
Vista. The Inn is on 10 acres adjacent to the San
Pedro River and Riparian National Conservation
Area. Here you can view 355 species of birds and
hundreds of butterflies. Experts agree Casa de
San Pedro is one of the most romantic Arizona
Special 4-page
getaways and the most upscale Southern Arizona
Pull-Out
Bed and Breakfast. Naturalists, bird watchers,
history buffs and environmentalists herald the inn
as a world-class accommodation with a heart.
Cat Mountain Lodge
www.catmountainlodge.com
Angel Jackson, Innkeeper
2720 S Kinney Rd
Tucson, AZ 85735–1502
catmountainlodge@comcast.net
520-578-6085
520-578-6385 (fax)
Cat Mountain Lodge is a Southwestern style Bed
& Breakfast built in 2009. We have 4 spacious
rooms with private baths, complimentary
breakfast at the Coyote Pause Café next door,
and a central courtyard. Birdwatchers and
nature lovers can explore the hiking and biking
trails of the breathtaking Tucson Mountains.
El Conquistador Resort
Patio Homes Assoc.
www.brendaobrien.com/el-conquistador-homes.html
Richard Case
PMB 331, 12995 N Oracle Rd., #141
Tucson, AZ 85739
Lodging
rcasetuc@aol.com
520-887-5036
El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes consist of
192 residences which border the golf course of
the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Oro Valley.
This self managed HOA works hard to preserve
& live in harmony with our Sonoran Desert. Water
conservation & native growth a high priority.
2 ¬ V i s i t w w w . t u c s o n a u d u b o n . o r g / j o i n - aa m p - s u p p o r t / b u s i n e s s - m e m b e r s . h t m l t o
Down By the River B & B
www.downbytheriverbandb.com
Mike Hug
PO Box 387
2255 Efken Place
St David, AZ 85630
downbytheriverbb@hotmail.com
520-720-9441
Down By The River Bed & Breakfast in Saint
David, with four themed rooms, joined the Audubon
when opening in 2005. The 15 acre property,
kept in its natural state, abuts and accesses
the San Pedro River at the northern end of the
Riparian Area, and is close to the Cienega.
Heartstone Mountain Ranch
www.heartstoneranch.com
Willow Bentley & Jo Schneider
2702 E Spring St
Tucson,AZ 85716
willow_bentley@yahoo.com
520-444-5155
More than 130 bird species have been spotted
on our 9.5 acres near Parker Canyon Lake.
We have weekly and daily rates for a charming
2 bedroom, 2 bath house. It is surrounded
by oak trees, has a large stone fireplace,
a wrap around balcony and rear patio.
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com
6200 N Clubhouse Lane
Tucson, AZ 85750
jhare@thelodgeatventanacanyon.com
800-828-5701
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Catalina
Mountains, nestled in the foothills of this pristine
setting is the perfect vacation destination, the Lodge
at Ventana Canyon. With just 50 spacious guest
suites located within the gates of a private club,
The Lodge offers a unique and intimate vacation
experience. Be a member for a day or lifetime.
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is a four-diamond
golf and tennis resort destination, voted #35 by
Conde Nast Travellers Readers Poll of the top 100
golf resorts. Come and visit this Tucson classic.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Loews Ventana Canyon
www.loewshotels.com/ventanacanyon
7000 N Resort Dr
Tucson, AZ 85750
malesander@loewshotels.com
800-234-5117
Set against the foothills of the Catalina Mountains,
this 398-room resort boasts an 80-foot cascading
waterfall as well as an educational nature trail
designed by the Arizona Sonora Desert-Museum
and Tucson Botanical Gardens. Nearby hiking
and birding opportunities abound. Sunset views,
full-service salon and spa, fitness center, tennis
courts and two championship golf courses.
Oasis at Way Out West
C J Vincent / Way Out West
www.wowarizona.com
C J Vincent & Mary Ellen Landen
5494 E Edwin Rd
Tucson, AZ 85739
info@wowarizona.com
520-825-4590
Beautiful gardens adorn a three acre private
nature preserve. Warm hospitality, spectacular
views, and abundant wildlife. ‘Doorstep
trails’ into the Catalina Mountains. Birds
abundant,varied, ‘House List’ 138+. Delicious
menu options.“Rufous-winged Sparrows regularly
visit . . . one of Tucson’s finest hummingbird
and butterfly gardens.” Dr. D. A. Zimmerman
Rancho Esmeralda
www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com
John Ochoa
2015 W Ruthrauff Rd., # 163
Tucson, AZ 85705
ranchoesmeralda@hotmail.com
520-241-7072
The rancho at Esmeralda features a spectacular
solar powered Spanish Colonial lodge, for
groups of 15–50 people, with pool/Jacuzzi. Now
available for smaller groups is the lovely, new
4 bedroom, Las Avispas ranch house, a great
place for spotting Elegant Trogons from the
porch. Call 520-241-7072 for pricing—website
Riverpark Inn
www.riverparkinn.com
350 S Freeway Rd
Tucson, AZ 85745
wclark@theriverparkinn.com
520-239-2300
The Riverpark Inn is located in the heart of
Downtown Tucson with easy access to the
area’s major attractions. We are a full-service,
AAA 3 Diamond property with a restaurant/
bar on site. Our spacious grounds feature a
beautiful 3-acre courtyard. All rates include
our complimentary Full American Breakfast
Buffet, free parking and free internet.
Spirit Tree Inn
www.spirittreeinn.com
Mary Jane Pottebaum
3 Harshaw Creek Rd
Patagonia, AZ 85624
spiritreeinn@aol.com
866-394-0121
The Spirit Tree Inn B & B sits on 52 acres along
one of Southern Arizona’s high desert creeks
in the heart of the Coronado National Forest.
We are 3 1/2 miles east of the small town of
Patagonia. We have four guest rooms and
two casitas. The casitas are dog friendly.
 Services
Brooklyn Pizza
www.brooklynpizzacompany.com
Tony Vaccaro
534 N 4th Ave
Tucson,AZ 85705
brooklyntony@gmail.com
520-622-6868
Brooklyn Pizza Company: Fresh baked, hand
tossed, solar powered pizza. Voted best in
Tucson. Pick up, dine in, free delivery. Sky
Bar: Solar powered cafe by day, astronomy
bar by night. Nightly astronomy shows
along with deep space images displayed
from our own telescopes. An alliance of
independent businesses on Fourth Avenue.
Desert Toyota of Tucson
www.deserttoyota.com
Bob Rockov
7150 E 22nd St
Tucson, AZ 85710
rockov@deserttoyota.com
520-296-5433
At Desert Toyota we offer a giant selection of new,
pre-owned and certified Toyotas. A sales and
service staff that is willing and ready to assist you in
the courteous and professional manner that keeps
you returning to the store. Desert Toyota has been
family owned by the Berge Group for 36 years and
we are continuing the traditions that have gotten us
to this point. We look forward to providing you the
excellent experience that you expect and deserve.
Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC
www.fmazlaw.com
Mich Coker
4801 E Broadway,Ste 311
Tucson, AZ 85711
mcoker@fmazlaw.com
520-790-5433
We are an Arizona-based law firm offering
decades of experience across multiple practice
areas. Our top priority is to consistently provide
the highest quality representation to a diverse
group of local, national, and international
clients. At Farhang & Medcoff, we treat all
clients as if they were our only client.
Financial Architects/
KMS Financial Services
www.financial-architects.com
Brienne Dylewski
3971 E Paradise Falls Dr., Ste 114
Tucson AZ 85712
brienne@financial-architects.com
At Financial Architects, Certified Financial
Planners ™ James Walker and Brienne Dylewski
provide strictly independent advice and financial
planning geared to an individual’s goals and
objectives. For a complimentary consultation
please call 520–884–7550. Securities & advisory
services through KMS Financial Services, Inc.
learn more about our Birds & Business Allies and for links to their websites ¬
Fiore Tile Works
www.fioretileworks.com
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
www.swlaw.com
David McMahon 400 E Van Buren St
1301 S 6th Ave., # 105 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tucson, AZ 85713 info@swlaw.com
nameisdave@gmail.com 602-382-6000
520-971-0677 Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. is a full-
Artist David McMahon, owner of Fiore Tile Works, service business law firm with more than 400
creates amazingly detailed and colorful Sonoran attorneys practicing in six offices throughout
desertscapes is high fired ceramic. Many of his the western United States, including Tucson
pieces are inhabited by sculpted native birds and and Phoenix, AZ; Orange County, CA; Denver,
mammals, such as elf and barn owls, Cooper’s Co; Las Vegas, NV; and Salt Lake City, UT.
hawks and bobcats. Visit www.fioretileworks.com to The firm represents clients ranging from
see many of his indoor and outdoor installations.  large, publicly traded corporations to small
business, individuals and entrepreneurs.
Hughes Federal credit Union
Sundance Press
www.hughesfcu.org
PO Box 11900 www.sundancepress.com
Tucson, AZ 85734 Gene Mandish
ejacklit@hughesfcu.org 817 E 18th St
520-205-5672 Tucson, AZ 85719
gmandish@sundancepress.com
Hughes Federal Credit Union offers opportunities
800-528-4827
for Tucson Audubon Society members and
their family members to join Hughes. Take Sundance Press specializes in the printing & mailing
advantage of free checking, competitive savings, of high quality short-run magazines, newsletters,
low loan rates, investment services and friendly programs and catalogs. The company was founded
service. Find out more regarding membership, in 1982 expressly to serve the unique needs of
call 794-JOIN, visit one of our branches. special-interest publishers and associations in
Southern Arizona and over the entire western U.S.
Kimberlyn Drew, MBA, ABR
SwaiM Associates Ltd
Realtor, Long Realty
www.KimberlynDrew.com Architects AIA
4051 E Sunrise Dr # 101 www.swaimaia.com
Tucson, AZ 85718 Phil Swaim
Kimberlyn@KimberlynDrew.com 7350 E Speedway Blvd, Ste 210
Special 4-page
520-237-1408 Tucson, AZ 85710
Pull-Out
Kimberlyn Drew is a Realtor who listens to pswaim@swaimaia.com
520-326-3700
client needs, knows the market, and offers
great service. Foothills-based, she’s sold At Swaim Associates, we design innovative
homes from SaddleBrooke to Sahuarita, and and inspiring environments in which people
has supported TAS and its mission for years. work, live, learn, and play. We are dedicated
Call Kimberlyn, MBA, Associate Broker, Birder, to the development of new models that
today! “Kimberlyn Drew is an exceptional foster community, education, sustainability,
Realtor.”—Dorothy Fitch, TAS Member and wellness. Our commitment to personal
service, technical expertise, and teamwork
The Living Fence enable us to support visions of our clients.
www.thelivingfence.com
Bryck and Susan Guibor Tucson Audubon Nature Shop
3131 E Glenn St at University & 5th Ave
Tucson, AZ 85716 www.tucsonaudubon.org
bryck@msn.com 300 E University Blvd, #120
520-795-5300 Tucson, AZ 85705
The Living Fence offers natural ocotillo fencing 520-629-0510 x7008
to enhance the artistry of desert landscaping, The Tucson Audubon Nature Shop offers a
creating an appealing barrier between your wide range of materials for nature enthusiasts,
yard and unwanted critters. Ocotillo fences may including binoculars for bird watching and
bloom with exquisite orange blossoms after each other wildlife viewing, field guides from regional
desert rain and will provide many years of barrier to international plants and animals, and an
protection. Installation is available for additional fee. excellent selection of children’s books and
gifts. Consider the Nature Shops for your gift
giving and natural history book purchases!
Services
Doris Evans
3
 Tu c son A u d ubon’s Birds & Bus i ne s s a l l i a nce • S umme r 2 0 1 0

Tucson Audubon Nature Shop

Agua Caliente Park
Travel TyrannoTours
www.tyrannotours.com
www.tucsonaudubon.org Naturalist Journeys Steve Buck
12325 E Roger Rd PO Box 64986
Tucson, AZ 85741 www.naturalistjourneys.com Tucson, AZ 85728
520-760-7881 Peg Abbott stevetucson@comcast.net
PO Box 16545 520-577-6546
Tucson Audubon’s Little shop at Agua Caliente
Portal, AZ 85632
Park caters to visitors and birders to this lovely Small-Group Excursions by Van from
info@natualistjourneys.com
oasis in the northeast sector of Tucson. We carry Tucson and Phoenix Area in Archaeology,
520-558-1146 or 866-900-1146
bird field guides, regional natural history and a Culture, Human and Natural History, Birding,
great selection of children’s books, toys and gifts. Arizona and Beyond! Discover our fabulous Photography, and Environmentalism
Bring a picnic, walk the nature paths and stop in Chiricahua Mountains! Guided day-trips for birding
the Ranch House for a tour and visit to the shop. and nature, year-round in Portal, AZ & Rodeo, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc.
NM, focus on birds, butterflies, geology, hiking.
Tucson Electric Power Monsoon ecology and more. Farther afield we
offer birding and nature trips around the globe.
www.tep.com
PO Box 711 U.E. 102 Nature Treks & Passages
Tucson, AZ 85702
sfoltz@tep.com
520-884-3740
Tucson Electric Power (TEP), which provides
safe, reliable power to more than 400,000
customers in the Tucson metropolitan area, is a
strong supporter of renewable energy, community
service and economic development. TEP has
developed an effective raptor protection program
in partnership with biologists and state agencies.

VENT
Veterinary Specialty

Matt Brooks
Center of Tucson www.ventbird.com
Victor L. Emanuel
www.vscot.com 2525 Wallingwood Dr, Ste 1003
Jan Woods Austin, TX 78746
4909 North La Canada Drive victor@ventbird.com
Tucson, AZ 85704 www.naturetreks.net 800-328-VENT
jwoods@vscot.com Debra Tranberg
Special 4-page

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT), a pioneer of

520-795-9955 PO Box 542
ecotravel with more than 30 years of experience,
Pull-Out

Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson is the Bryantville, MA 02327

regions largest, most comprehensive provider of
emergency and specialty services. We are always
open to provide your pet award winning care
24/7. We are Specialty Vets for Specialty Pets!
info@naturetreks.net
781-789-8127
Specializing in unique tours of the US, Mexico,
South and Central America. NT&P tours cover
some of the most exotic, naturally intact and
specializes in bird and nature-oriented tours,
operating more than 160 tours worldwide annually.
A land-based program including Natural History,
Relaxed & Easy, Introductory, and Wilderness
tours is complemented by cruises to destinations
such as Antarctica and the Galapagos. VF

historical places on earth. All tours are lead by

experienced guides, with a love for natural history,
birding and an unsurpassed cultural knowledge.
NT&P manages all your logistics and limit the group
size for a low-impact, more intimate experience.

Ravens-Way Wild Journeys L.L.C.

Services & Travel

www.ravensnatureschool.com
Vincent Pinto
1200 W Mariposa Rd # 19
Nogales, AZ 85624
Nature-journeys@hotmail.com Birds & Business
520-425-6425 A L L I A N C E
Ravens-Way Wild Journeys (RWWJ) is a unique TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY
Nature Adventure & Environmental Education
company based in southeastern Arizona. Founded
in 1993 by Naturalist & Wildlife Biologist Vincent Tucson Audubon
Pinto, RWWJ continues to bring affordable 300 E University Blvd, Ste 120
adventures & classes, including: Nature Travel Tucson, AZ 85705
(birding, ethnobotany, astronomy, tracking . . . ), 520-629-0510 (voice) • 520-623-3476 (fax)
Sustainable Living Practices (organic gardening, www.tucsonaudubon.org
rainwater harvesting . . . ) Nature Science School,
& Stone-age/Wilderness Survival Skills.
Legend
AAA Gold level member
AAA Silver level member
AAA Sterling level member
AAA Copper level member

4 ¬ V i s i t w w w . t u c s o n a u d u b o n . o r g / j o i n - aa m p - s u p p o r t / b u s i n e s s - m e m b e r s . h t m l ¬

Alan Murphy / alanmurphyphotography.com
The Botteri’s Sparrow is also a bird of
summer, with no documented winter records in
Arizona. They typically arrive in late May, and
unlike the Cassin’s Sparrow, are on territory
singing prolifically in June, but with the same
goal in mind: to brood their young during the
monsoon. For the Botteri’s, the commencement
of the monsoon is the signal to lay their eggs.
In fact, egg-laying by Botteri’s is preceded by at
least ¼-inch of rain, and typically they wait for
the first heavy rain of ¾-inch or more. By laying
at the start of the monsoon, Botteri’s hatch their
young usually a month or so before the Cassin’s,
and this temporal partitioning of resources may
allow them to breed in the same habitat with
minimal conflict.
The Grasshopper Sparrow that breeds in
southeast Arizona is the subspecies ammolegus,
noted for its rusty tones. Named for their insect-
like song, the name is just as well-suited for
their food preference: grasshoppers! During
the summer, insects make up over 60 percent
of their diet, with grasshoppers comprising half
or more of that percentage. The new growth
of grass during the monsoon increases the
grasshopper populations, keeping the sparrows
well-fed. Like our other grassland sparrows,
Alan Murphy / alanmurphyphotography.com
Left to right: Cassin’s Sparrow; Botteri’s Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrows spend most of their time
Homer Hansen is the author
on the ground. As a visual predator, they will
of the G.I.S.S. Series
hunt insects in open, bare areas, and rely upon
identification guides, instructs
their skulky behavior and cryptic plumage to
Moving to Mastery for Tucson
allow them to forage quite a distance from cover.
Audubon Society, and chairs
The semidesert grasslands of southeast
Wings Over Willcox. Homer
Arizona have been home for sparrows for
leads tours for festivals,
millennia. Over the past century, with the
groups, and individual birders.
settlement of the West, habitat has been lost
Homer’s favorite Emberizid
or changed. Botteri’s Sparrow historically was
is the Cassin’s Sparrow.
documented as far north as Oracle in the Santa
Contact him at aplomado@
Cruz River Valley, and Fort Grant in the Sulphur
aplomado.com
Springs Valley. On a larger scale, the conversion
of grassland to agriculture and subdivisions
throughout North America has strongly
influenced the decline of Grasshopper Sparrows
from an estimated 31 million in the 1960’s to
11 million today. No species can live without Below, left to right: virga over
a home. With thoughtful management of our the desert; (inset) Grasshopper
grasslands, future generations may continue to Sparrow subspecies ammolegus;
storm building up over the desert;
enjoy a summer afternoon with dark gray clouds Elgin grasslands
billowing, the smell of the rain on the wind, and (All photos below by Homer Hansen)
the beautiful melody of the Cassin’s Sparrow
falling from the sky. VF
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13
 Conservation and Education News
Chris McVie, Paul Green, Kendall Kroesen, and Scott Wilbor
Tucson and its Water
Al Gilpatrick
Painted Hills is a beautiful part of
the west side of Tucson; almost 300
acres between Anklam Road and W.
Speedway Boulevard as you drive
toward Gates Pass and the Arizona-
Sonora Desert Museum.  These
roads have been designated scenic
routes by Pima County. The threat of
building 250 houses on 300 acres in
that region is real, even though the
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan
has identified this area as biologically
significant land. The development
plan would affect around one-half of
the 10,000 Saguaro cacti on the site,
as well as important riparian areas
and wildlife linkages. Residents twice
voted for bonds to purchase this
property and, although the County
tried to buy the land, the owner sold it
Clean Air
In May, we again asked you, by email,
to contact your Senators to ask them
not to support Senator Murkowski’s
resolution to cripple the Clean Air
Act and let oil and other corporate
polluters off the hook.
Our efforts won through when, by
a narrow margin, the Senate voted
53-47 to uphold the Environmental
Protection Agency’s authority to
regulate greenhouse gas pollution,
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
to a developer instead.  The developer
has asked for annexation to assure
water service.  The County Board of
Supervisors voted 4 to 0 to oppose
the annexation. However, Tucson City
Council voted twice to move forward
with annexation proceedings. New
Council member Paul Cunningham
asked for reconsideration at the June
8 Council meeting.  parcels on the west side, including
By email (see p 16) we asked you
to show up for the June 8 meeting:
you did and the meeting was packed
to overflowing. Probably as a result,
the Mayor and Council voted to direct
the City Attorney to work with Pima
County over the next 30 days to
explore creative options to save the
Painted Hills without going to court.
Your presence and support allowed us
put science ahead of politics when it
comes to public health, and place our
country on a clean energy path. Our
work will not be finished until we have
comprehensive energy and climate
legislation.
 Both of Arizona’s Senators voted
in favor of Senator Murkowski’s
resolution to cripple the Clean Air
Act. We ask that you contact them to
comment on their votes.
to “live to fight for another month” for
Painted Hills, and we thank you for
your involvement and the Coalition for
Sonoran Desert Protection for taking
the lead. This action also reminded
Tucson City Council to keep the City’s
water service policy intact, with no
more water delivered outside the
obligated-to-serve areas in the City.
Meanwhile Ed Verburg of
Tucson Mountains Association
informs us that on June 15, Tucson
City staff presented the proposed
Water Footprint Study to the City
Council, and highlighted the various
comments received from the public.  more power to shape the state
Staff recommended approval of the
proposed water policy, and responded
to many of the arguments presented in
letters they received, and mentioned
that the Citizen Water Advisory Group
voted 8 to 0 to approve the policy as
drafted.  the Congressional and Legislative
Karin Uhlich (Ward 3) made a
motion to accept the proposed water
footprint with two changes: 1) exclude
Painted Hills and adjacent parcels,
and 2) direct staff to coordinate with
land use planning in other jurisdictions
and report back at the yearly review
point with any changes that should be
considered. Regina Romero (Ward 1)
seconded the motion. She mentioned
the importance of having a General
Plan that designates environmentally
sensitive land. The two Council
members also agreed to add
language that emphasizes rainwater
harvesting and new technologies.  and five nominees from some other
The Council passed the resolution
unanimously. You can read the
Citizen Water Advisory Group’s report
at www.tucsonaudubon.org/news-
events/consnewsne.html.
Meanwhile Tucson’s TBreak
group (www.tucsonaudubon.org/
what-we-do/conservation/tbreak.html)
is formulating a vision for water policy
in Arizona that would have positive
natural environmental outcomes as a
key component.
Redistricting in
Arizona
Redistricting is the once-in-a-
decade opportunity to redraw the
state’s legislative and congressional
districts. This single act may do
more to influence the make-up of the
legislature and its agenda over the
next 10 years than the sum total of all
elections during that period.
Every policy issue will be affected
by who is elected to the legislature,
and redistricting will affect every
legislative election for the next ten
years.
The Independent Redistricting
Commission (IRC) will govern
Arizona’s redistricting process. Those
communities that actively participate
in the redistricting process will have
than ever before; those that do not
will allow others to decide who will
represent them for the next decade.
The mission of the redistricting
commission is to administer the
fair and balanced redistricting of
districts for the State of Arizona. The
commission consists of five members:
two Democrats, two Republicans,
and one Independent or third party
representative. The commission will
be selected in early 2011.
Members of the commission are
selected by a process that begins in
September 2010, when applications
are submitted to the commission
on Appellate Court Appointments.
This commission establishes a pool
of candidates qualified to serve on
the IRC, made up of twenty-five
nominees, with ten Democratic
nominees, ten Republican nominees
party or non-party by January 8, 2011.
For more information go to www.
azredistricting.org/.
Al Gilpatrick

Looking Ahead to November’s Elections and Looking
Out for Our Birds
As we head toward the critical
November elections, we will continue
to draw your attention to the effects
your votes will have on birds, wildlife
habitat, and your own quality of life.
We encourage you to visit the Arizona
League of Conservation Voters
website www.azlcv.org to examine the
voting records of legislators. Question
those seeking election at the national
and state levels on their attitudes to
such issues as: funding and protecting
open space and riparian areas,
protecting species of conservation
concern, reducing carbon emissions,
preserving migratory and native
wildlife linkages, sustainable
development, water policies, and
other natural environment issues of
importance to you.
Arizona State Proposition
301 refers to a measure that would
transfer the balance of the Land
Conservation Fund into the General
Fund. The voters established the Land
Conservation Fund in 1998 when they
approved the Growing Smarter Act
referred to the ballot by the Arizona
Legislature. The dollars in this fund
provide a match for communities
to acquire state trust lands for
conservation, including lands that are
part of Pima County’s Sonoran Desert
Conservation Plan, and many more
besides.
By diverting dollars from the Land
Conservation Fund, the Legislature
hurts both conservation efforts and
education—dollars from the Land
Conservation Fund go into the
State Land Trust to benefit the Trust
John Hunnicutt
Left to right: Open space in the Tortolita Mountains. Abert’s Towhee, a riparian bird of conservation concern
beneficiaries. The primary beneficiary
is public education. The Land
Conservation Fund helped purchase
Tumamoc Hill in Tucson in February
2009.
Arizona State Proposition
109 is a proposed constitutional
amendment that would include
hunting in the basic Declaration of
Rights in the Constitution. It would
have a significant and negative impact
on wildlife and wildlife management
in Arizona by making it more difficult
to regulate the take of wildlife. Wildlife
belongs to all Arizona citizens—
hunters and non-hunters, anglers and
non-anglers, those who watch wildlife
and those who do not, for this and
future generations. Wildlife is held in
trust by the State of Arizona for the
benefit of current and future residents
as well as for the ecological integrity of
the state. Establishing a constitutional
right to hunt and fish violates that
basic trust responsibility and elevates
hunting and angling from being a
privilege to being a basic right. This
proposed constitutional amendment
would put hunting and fishing in Article
2 of the Arizona Constitution, which
is the “Declaration of Rights” in our
Constitution. The Arizona Constitution
should be for proclaiming rights that
guarantee fundamental democratic
principles, not for protecting privileges
to exploit our natural resources.
Arizona State Proposition 109
could undermine the rights of the
people to initiate law. It also creates
conflicting provisions regarding
initiative rights within the Arizona
Constitution. We support the existing
rights of the people to initiate or
to stop laws via the initiative and
referendum process. The authors of
the Arizona Constitution thought that
the initiative and referendum process
was important to provide a check on
the legislative branch. They thought
it was critical that the citizens have
an equal opportunity to create laws
directly via the initiative process.  last summer? Did you know the
Arizona State Proposition
110 refers to the ballot a constitutional
amendment that, if passed by the
voters, authorizes land exchanges
between the State Land Department
and the Federal Government. The
land exchanges can be for two
purposes: they are for the protection
of military facilities, and for the
provision of proper management,
protection, or public use of state lands.
An exchange will have to be referred
to the ballot by the Legislature and
approved by the voters in order to be
consummated. All exchanges must
have two appraisals, an analysis,
and be vetted at two public meetings.
Full and up-front disclosure of the
parcels involved is also required.
While exchange proposals have been
on the ballot six times and defeated
by the voters all six times since
1990, this proposal includes the kind
of transparency and accountability
that is necessary to ensure that land
exchanges are in the best interest of
the trust and the larger public.
Our thanks to Sandy Bahr of the
Sierra Club for this information.
Joan Gellatly
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15
Rob Monispapa
Call for information:
Night-time Raiders at
Hummingbird Feeders
Were your hummingbird feeders
mysteriously drained during the night
midnight raiders were bats? Most of
Arizona’s 28 bat species eat insects,
but two migratory species drink nectar
and eat pollen from plants such as
the saguaro and agaves. These
bats are becoming common visitors
to southern Arizona hummingbird
feeders in late summer and early fall.
If you enjoy watching wildlife, we need
your help monitoring the wildlife in
your backyard!
The use of hummingbird feeders by
bats has been documented in southern
Arizona for many years. Around 2006
we noticed that large numbers of
lesser long-nosed bats were foraging
at hummingbird feeders in the urban
areas surrounding the Tucson basin.
We are now detecting bats visiting
feeders more widely in southern
Arizona and have volunteer monitors
from as far north as Dove Mountain
near Pinal County, and as far south as
Nogales in Santa Cruz County.
If you are willing to participate in
the hummingbird feeder monitoring
project this year, please contact Dr.
Ted Fleming, Adjunct Professor,
University of Arizona, at ted@
sonaura.net with your name, address
(cross streets are fine if you would
prefer not to give your street address),
zipcode, and the general dates that
you noticed your feeders drained. Any
photos of the bats using the feeders
are also extremely useful. If you don’t
have access to email, please leave
a message at 797-5609. We will
provide you with information about this
year’s monitoring protocol. Additional
information can be found at the
project’s official website sponsored by
the Town of Marana (www.marana.
com/bats).
 Conservation &
Education News
SunZia Latest
In the April-May Vermilion Flycatcher
we revealed a plan to run a major
power line route through the Lower
San Pedro River Valley as part of
a proposed SunZia project that
would run energy from the White
Sands region of New Mexico to a
substation at Eloy, Arizona, and points
west, sending energy all the way
to California.
Since that time the community
and natural environment groups have
License to Pollute?
The Resolution Copper Company is
seeking to develop the old Magma
Mine outside Superior. Senators Jon
Kyl and John McCain introduced
S.409 (Southeast Arizona Land
Exchange & Conservation Act of
2009) to acquire lands, including
some removed by President
Eisenhower from mineral exploration
and extraction in 1955 (Public Land
Order 1229). As of June 2010, the
bill is still under consideration in the
Senate. Tucson Audubon does not
support the passage of the act in its
present form (see our website for
details).
Resolution Copper is now asking
for an Aquifer Protection permit,
which is intended to protect the
aquifer from contamination, and
an Arizona Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (AZPDES) permit
to discharge pollutants to waters of
the United States. These permits are
for the discharge of a total long-term
average flow of 3.6 million gallons
per day (mgd) of stormwater runoff
and treated mine water. Resolution
Sign up for email alerts
Tucson Audubon sends out email alerts around one each week, containing
conservation alerts, event information, and other news. To sign up to
receive the alerts simply go to www.tucsonaudubon.org and click on the
“Sign up email newsletter” link on the right hand side of the page. You can
unsubscribe and resubscribe at any time.
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
Contribute to the National Wildlife Refuges:
Buy a Duck Stamp from Tucson Audubon
The 2010–2011 Migratory Bird
Hunting & Conservation Stamp is now
been reviewing proposed routes
available at the Nature Shop for $15.
for the project, and questioning the
This year’s stamp features artist
process of environmental scoping
Robert Bealle’s American Wigeon.
that the Bureau of Land Management
Federal Duck Stamps are used to
has been implementing. We have
purchase wetlands and other valuable
posted many of these comments on
habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge
our website and advise members with
System, benefitting many different
an interest to read them here: www.
birds and other wildlife. National Wildlife Refuge that charges
tucsonaudubon.org/news-events/
Possession of a valid Duck Stamp a fee. Hang one on your binoculars
consnewsne.html. Keep up-to-date
also provides free admission into any with pride.
through our email alerts (see below).
Conservation Corner!
Are you emitting greenhouse gases?
Copper is also applying for an Aquifer
We all do. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and others.
Protection permit for a new facility
You already know many ways to reduce your emissions: drive less,
located on the north bank of Queen
drive a more efficient car (or a
Creek directly west of the Town of
bike!), make your house
Superior. This will consist of treated
energy efficient, install
mine water from dewatering activities
solar hot water,
associated with exploration in the area
solar panels, and
of the Superior Mine to evaluate the
so on.
viability of an ore body. The maximum
Another
discharge limit will be 662,400 gallons
innovative
per day, and will be discharged into an
way is a
unnamed tributary to Queen Creek in
“carbon
the Middle Gila River basin. 
offset.” If you
We have posted the relevant
do something
documents to our website. A public
that emits a lot
Matt Griffiths
hearing will be held at the Superior
of carbon dioxide,
Senior Citizens Center, 360 Main
you can pay to have that
Street, Superior, Arizona 85173, on
same amount removed from the
Monday, July 19, 2010. There will
atmosphere. This is particularly useful if you are flying somewhere—an
be an open house from 5:00pm to
activity that emits a lot of carbon dioxide.
5:45pm with the hearing to follow
Visit The Local Trust, a Tucson-based carbon sequestration
immediately from 5:45pm to 7:30pm.
organization (www.thelocaltrust.org). The Local Trust is run by David
The purpose of the public hearing is
Schaller and Jane Poynter—both good friends of Tucson Audubon. David
to allow the public to make comments
led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s sustainability efforts in the
for the record. ADEQ will respond
West and Pacific Islands and more recently worked in Tucson’s Office of
in writing to all comments submitted
Conservation and Sustainable Development. Jane, a former Biospherian, is
during the formal public comment
President of Paragon Space Development Corporation and recently spoke
period which will conclude July 16.
at Tucson Audubon’s Ironwood Festival.
Here’s how it works. Go to www.thelocaltrust.org and click on “calculate
your carbon.” Follow the directions to calculate how much you have
emitted, and the cost to sequester it. Then pick a project. Currently the trust
sequesters carbon through Tucson Audubon tree planting and through
installing solar hot water heaters on Habitat for Humanity homes. Then
make a payment! Go to their Web site and read more. VF
Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager
Jane Poynter is pictured above with Kendall Kroesen (left) and Paul Green,
planting trees at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center.
 Tucson Audubon Field Trips For the latest or expanded
Darlene Smyth | Field Trip Coordinator field trip information
visit www.tucsonaudubon.org
July 10—Saturday 4:30 am or call us at 520-629-0510.
Kendall Kroesen

Huachuca Canyon
We will walk approximately one mile up this
canyon and see what we can see. Terrain is
uneven with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Be
sure to wear walking shoes. Bring plenty of water
and lunch to eat back at the cars. Fort Huachuca
rules state everyone must have picture I.D. and
be a US citizen. Drivers need proof of insurance.
Meet on the northeast corner of Houghton and
I-10. Roundtrip 150 miles. Leader: Melody Kehl
outdoor1@cox.net
July 13—Tuesday 5:30 am
Mt. Lemmon
San Pedro House We will bird our way up the Mt. Lemmon Highway,
stopping to experience the birds associated with
July assorted habitats. It’s like going from Mexico to
Canada in one morning! Meet at the NE Tucson
July 3—Saturday 7:30 to 9:30 am
carpool location: Tanque Verde Rd/ Catalina
Sweetwater Wetlands Family
Hwy—McDonald’s parking lot. Back by noon.
Outing Series
Leader: Richard Filley rdfilley@yahoo.com 480-
Do you enjoy sharing the joy of nature and outdoor
277-0834
activities with your children or grandchildren? Make
peanut butter bird feeders; sketch and color birds; July 16—Friday 6 am
or check out a backpack filled with family activities. Madera Canyon
We’ll loan you the binoculars! Presented by Tucson We’ll escape the heat of summer by
Audubon Society and Sunnyside School District’s climbing into the Santa Rita Mountains for a visit
Student Urban Naturalists (SASUN). Children age to always-birdy Madera Canyon. Bring water and
4–14 must be accompanied by an adult! Leader: lunch. Meet at Fry’s at I-19 and Irvington for a 6 am
Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail.com 490-4835 departure. About 75 miles roundtrip. Leader: Scott
Olmstead stolmstead@hotmail.com 840-9567
July 4—Sunday 6 am
San Pedro House and July 20—Tuesday 5:30 am
St. David California Gulch
We’ll explore the grassland, the river, and Join Tucson Audubon for a monsoon
Kingfisher and Black Phoebe Ponds looking season jaunt into remote California Gulch in search
for area specialties. Rarities have been found of Five-striped Sparrows, Varied Buntings and
in the past so anything is possible. We’ll head
back to Tucson, stopping at St. David to look for
© Bryan Holliday www.bryanholliday.com
Note: All phone numbers use the 520 area
code unless otherwise stated.
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

Mississippi Kites. It will be hot so we’ll keep it brief.
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
Back in Tucson between 2:30 and 4:30, depending
629-0510 ext. 3. Report rare birds at 629-0510
on additional stops. Meet at Houghton Rd. north of
or rarebirdalert@tucsonaudubon.org
I-10. About 140 miles roundtrip. Chiggers possible
so bring repellant. Leader: Richard Fray rpfray@ After Your Field Trip
DAKOTACOM.NET Don’t forget to stop in the Tucson Audubon
July 6—Tuesday 6:30 am Nature Shop to check out new books,
Sweetwater Wetlands see wonderful nature items, and chat with
The early arrival should give us a couple volunteers.
of hours to admire the resident birds and check
for any rarities before the heat becomes too
oppressive. Meet in the parking lot. Leader:
Darlene Smyth dsmyth3@comcast.net
Varied Bunting

don’t Forget to stop in our Nature Shop for your field and ID Guides,
Sara Pike

and other birding supplies.

July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17


Tucson Audubon
Field Trips
more. Hiking on uneven rocky ground and the
ability to walk uphill in the heat is required. Limited
to the first 16 participants or five high-clearance
vehicles. Contact leader to register. About 100
miles roundtrip. Leader: Clifford Cathers 762-3201
or email AZCliffy@Q.com
July 24—Saturday
Young Birders Field Trip
Destinations will be announced on the Tucson
Audubon website as we get closer to the dates of
each trip. Youth Birding field trips take place on the
fourth Saturday of each month. Ages 8–18, all skill
levels welcome, parents are welcome, and loaner
binoculars can be arranged! Contact leaders Scott
Olmstead stolmstead@hotmail.com/520-840-9567
or Rob Payne vermillion233@hotmail.com/867-
0490 for more details
July 24—Saturday 6 am
Shorebirds & Kites
Today we’ll practice our shorebirding at Willcox
Cochise Lakes and Benson’s WWTP and end
with a side trip for soaring Mississippi Kites over
St. David. Last year’s highlight was the skylarking
Cassin’s Sparrows at Willcox. Meet at the South
Houghton Road meeting spot (Houghton just north
of I-10) at 6 am. About 135 miles roundtrip. Leader:
Clifford A. Cathers AZCliffy@q.com
July 27—Tuesday 9 am
“Big Sit” at Madera Kubo
B&B, Santa Rita Mountains
We’ve graciously been granted non-guest access
to seat ourselves on the porch and observe the
grape jelly-, seed- and nectar feeders for the
famous male Flame-colored Tanager, nesting
Hooded Orioles and Arizona Woodpeckers, as
well as a variety of calling flycatchers, common
montane species of the Sky Islands, and perhaps
a few regional surprises. We’ll hope for Elegant
Trogons calling from the canyon slopes or seen
in the treetops and up to 10 possible species of
hummingbirds (last year produced Violet-crowned,
Berylline, White-eared and Calliope). Done by
noon. USFS fee area. Please bring donations for
the “sugar fund.” Limit 10 people. RSVP required
starting July 15. 80 miles roundtrip. Leader:
Cynthia Barstad 237-2331 cynthiabarstad@gmail.
com
July 31—Saturday 8 am
Sierra Vista: Hummingbirds
for Beginners
Those who are new to birding are especially
invited to watch the feeders at Ash Canyon B&B
and Beatty’s Guest Ranch. Easy walking except
George West
for short steep climb on dirt trail. Bring lunch and
money for “feeder sugar” funds ($10), carpooling,
18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
and optional ice cream. Meet on Houghton Road
just north of I-10. Return by 3 pm. Roundtrip of
150 miles. Limited to 10; sign up by calling leader
starting Sunday, July 11 at 9 am. Leader: John
Higgins 578-1830 jghiggins@comcast.net
August
August 3–5—Tuesday–Thursday
California: San Bernardino
Mountains via the Salton Sea
The focus will be primarily mountain birds,
Yellow-footed Gull, and inland migrant shorebirds.
Target birds would be White-headed and Nuttall’s
Woodpeckers, Red-breasted and Williamson’s
Sapsuckers, California and Mountain Quail, Purple
and maybe Cassin’s Finches, Oak Titmouse,
shorebirds, gulls and possibly a Blue-footed
Booby or Wood Stork. It will be HOT (and smelly)
at the Salton Sea, but cool at night and pleasant
in the San Bernadinos. Round-trip about 900 mi.
Limited participation. Contact leader for details
and to register. Leader: Diane Touret dctouret@
comcast.net
August 6—Friday 6:45 to 9 pm
Saguaro National Park East
Night Walk
Come enjoy an evening walk with the park ranger
at Saguaro National Park. We will be walking the
easy, 1 mile Freeman Homestead Trail, learning
the history of the park and watching for night birds
and critters. Last year we saw owls and scorpions
(the ranger will take a black light) and heard
coyotes. With the biological activity brought on by
the monsoon, many interesting insects and other
critters are possible. Limited to 10. Sign up after
July 1. Leader: Anthony Mendoza 219-0366
August 7—Saturday 7:30 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
Flame-colored Tanager
Jim & Deva Burns, www.jimburnsphotos.com
American Oystercatcher
4-14 must be accompanied by an adult! Leader:
Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail.com 490-4835
August 11—Wednesday
Shorebirds on the Sea of Cortez
Shorebird numbers should be increasing rapidly at
Puerto Peñasco. In addition to common Arizona
shorebird species, we can hope for American
Oystercatcher, Wilson’s and Snowy Plovers, Red
Knot, Black and Ruddy Turnstones, and Whimbrel.
Longer-legged wading birds might include Reddish
Egret and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. We’ll
check for Black-vented Shearwater and Black and
Least Storm Petrels and Large-billed Sparrow.
Drivers must purchase Mexican auto insurance
before starting the trip; riders must reimburse
the driver for that insurance and fuel. Passport
required. Back in Tucson about 8:30 pm. Limited
enrollment of four cars. Sign up with the leaders,
indicating whether you are willing to drive, starting
July 10. Leaders: Alison Beringer and Rick Wright
birdaz@gmail.com
August 15—Sunday 6 am
“Big Sit” at Ash Canyon B&B,
Huachuca Mountains
We’ll let the birds come to us during the
peak of hummingbird migration at one of
southeast Arizona’s hummer hotspots.
This yard’s feeders and native plant garden
create a reliable magnet for 10 or more species
of hummingbirds (including Lucifer), as well as
orioles, grosbeaks, and many regional specialties.
$5 per person to support the “sugar fund.” required.
Done by mid-morning, but stay as long as you
wish. Limit 10 people. RSVP starting August 1.
About 160 miles roundtrip. Leader: Cynthia Barstad
237-2331 cynthiabarstad@gmail.com
August 17—Tuesday 9 am
Birds and Butterflies of Kitt Peak
Your leader, an avid birder, official of SE AZ
Butterfly Association, and mountain resident, will
guide you through the elevational habitats of Kitt
Peak, the lake area, and to some hummer feeders.
There may be some surprises if past sightings are
repeated. Bring water and lunch, close-focusing
binoculars if you have them, and field guides.
Walking will not be strenuous. Hot, especially at
the bottom of the mountain. Be prepared for rain

Jim & Deva Burns, www.jimburnsphotos.com
Mississippi Kite
in the afternoon! The leader will meet the group
at the junction of SR 86 and 386, approximately
55 miles west of Tucson at 9 am. Contact leader,
Elaine Halbedel, Inannaqoh@aol.com (or 318-
8614, ONLY after 2 pm) after August 1st to sign up
for the trip.
August 21—Saturday 6 am
St David Monastery and Benson
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
We’ll bird the monastery’s wonderful riparian
habitat and hope to see Mississippi Kites before
they leave for the winter. The Benson STP may
offer up migrating waterfowl and shorebirds or
some other surprise. Done by lunchtime. Meet
at Houghton Rd. just north of I-10 for carpooling
at 6 am (leader not present) or in Benson at the
Safeway parking lot at 6:30 (accessible by taking
the 303 exit off I-10 to the second traffic light). 80
miles roundtrip. Leader: Lainie Epstein 720-8976
(lainie95us@yahoo.com)
August 24—Tuesday 6:30 am 
Santa Catalina Warblers
The upper reaches of southeast Arizona’s Sky
Islands turn into a frenzy of migrating warblers and
other species in late summer. Come for a sampling
of this annual high elevation event as we search
for Hermit and Townsend’s Warblers among lots
of others. Meet at the Tanque Verde/Catalina
Highway McDonald’s at 6:30 am. Leader: Clifford A.
Cathers AZCliffy@q.com
Saturday August 28
Young Birders Field Trip
Destinations will be announced on the Tucson
Audubon website as we get closer to the dates of
each trip. Youth Birding field trips take place on the
Doris Evans
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/
birding/128.html.
fourth Saturday of each month. Ages 8–18, all skill
levels welcome, parents are welcome, and loaner
binoculars can be arranged! Contact leaders Scott
Olmstead stolmstead@hotmail.com/520-840-9567
or Rob Payne vermillion233@hotmail.com/867-
0490 for more details.
August 29—Sunday—Time TBA
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Join me for a tour of the desert and riparian
habitats in this under-birded area close to Tucson.
We’ll be looking for migrants and resident species
while exploring a birding area many locals don’t
know about. Group size is limited to 12 people.
Contact leader to sign up after August 10.
Back by 1 pm. Leader: Matt! Brooks mbrooks@
tucsonaudubon.org
August 31—Tuesday 4:30 am
Slaughter Ranch
This gorgeous oasis in the desert is located 15
miles east of Douglas. It comes with artesian wells
and cottonwood trees along the Mexican border.
There is an $8 fee per person to help maintain
Trip Report: Spring Migration in
Southwest Ohio
Tucson Audubon is pleased to report a successful
extended fieldtrip May 4 through May 11, 2010, to
sample the eastern migration in southwest Ohio.
Cliff Cathers, of Economy Birding Services, Inc.,
in conjunction with Tucson Audubon, covered
the Dayton, Ohio, green spaces where he grew
up birding. The key birding areas encompassed
Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks, a series of
rich bottomland forests and fields for recreation,
preservation, education and conservation.
Sixteen participants from Arizona, California,
Kentucky, Texas, and Ohio attended.
The trip was selected to fall on both sides of
the average peak migration day in southwest
Ohio, usually around May 8. Aside from familiarity
with the birding locations, the birds and the
area in general, Cliff’s itinerary included visits
to habitats that exposed the participants to the
widest range of potential species. The group did
not visit the famous Lake Erie marshes, keeping
the trip local, avoiding crowds, and minimizing
travel time and expenses.
Overall, the migration was a bit slower than
usual, perhaps due to weather related issues;
but life birds were aplenty and highlights were
daily. Some of the better moments included a
pair of Barred Owls staring down at Englewood
Reserve; a skulking Mourning Warbler eventually
affording everyone views at Spring Valley Wildlife
Area; Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers singing
from the tops of trees at Germantown Reserve;
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19
this historic landmark, which is supported only by
donations from visitors. Terrain is uneven, and it
will be warm if we decide to visit the adjoining San
Bernardino Wildlife Refuge. Meet on the northeast
corner of Houghton and I-10. 300 miles roundtrip
Leader: Melody Kehl outdoor1@cox.net
September
September 4—Saturday 8 am
Madera Canyon Monsoon
Nature Walk (Proctor Loop)
Friends of Madera Canyon Education Director
Doug Moore will lead a “monsoon” nature walk in
lower Madera Canyon. Summer rains transform
the canyon, producing a fascinating display of
plants and animals, particularly wildflowers and
insects. We will look for birds, but the focus will
be to explore the nature encountered on the
Proctor Nature Loop. Limit of 10. Contact leader to
register starting August 25. Leader: Doug Moore
maderaedu@msn.com
Cliff Cathers
and the beautiful Cerulean Warbler very near the
parking lot at Sugarcreek Reserve. It’s hard to
mention highlights without recalling how brilliant
Blackburnian Warblers actually were! In all, the
group found 117 species for the week including
27 species of warblers.
With low cost air fare, reasonable hotel rates,
excellent food, a relaxed itinerary, scads of
warblers and other species (did I mention that
Scarlet Tanagers and Baltimore Orioles were
particularly numerous this year?), a top-notch
park system, friendly participants, help from
MetroParks staff and old birding friends, and
reasonable weather, this year’s trip to southwest
Ohio was a rousing success. A full write-up of the
2010 trip, along with a complete birding list, can
be found at www.economybirding.com/trips02.
html.
Plans are in the works for a 2011 return trip!
Stay tuned! VF
 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
Alamos, Mexico. November 12–17 and
December 10–15. Guided Cultural and Historical
Tour. Journey to colonial Alamos in southern
Sonora, Mexico, known for its charming
colonial architecture and elegant ambiance.
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 Cortés.
Charming local restaurants! $1599pp.
Belize: From Savannah to Rainforest. January
19–26, 2011 For birders from beginners to
Jim & Deva Burns, www.jimburnsphotos.com
Male Golden-fronted Woodpecker
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010
“obsessed!” Tour includes diverse bioregions
of Belize, from savannah to rainforest. Two
outstanding Mayan ruins! One of the most exciting
countries a birder can visit; over 550 bird species,
350 at Tikal in Guatemala alone. Belize teems
with other wildlife including jaguars, rumas,
tapirs, and monkeys. We stay at comfortable
inns and “jungle lodges.” Small groups of 12
with 2 guides ensure that everyone enjoys the
best possible wildlife viewing. $3499pp.
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.
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
The Birds of Texas. By Fred
Alsop III. $23.00
Birds of Ecuador. By Robert
Ridgely and Paul Greenfield.
$55.00
Hawaii’s Birds. Published
by Hawaii Audubon Society.
$10.99
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

Tucson Audubon’s
Birds & Business alliance
Welcome to our new Birds & Business Alliance Members
At Swaim Associates, we design innovative
G ol d
and inspiring environments in which people
work, live, learn, and play.  We are dedicated
to the development of new models that foster
community, education, sustainability, and wellness.  Tucson, AZ 85710
Our commitment to personal service, technical
expertise, and teamwork enable us to support
visions of our clients.
Cat Mountain Lodge is a Southwestern
C opper
style bed & breakfast built in 2009. We have 4
spacious rooms with private baths, complimentary
breakfast at the Coyote Pause Café next door,
and a central courtyard. Birdwatchers and nature
lovers can explore the hiking and biking trails of the
breathtaking Tucson Mountains.
www.catmountainlodge.com
Angel Jackson, Innkeeper
2720 S Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735-1502
catmountainlodge@gwest.net
578-6068 • 578-6385 (fax)
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.
BOOK DEALER VOLUNTEER needed to value
and sell rare and older books donated to Tucson
Audubon. These books are not appropriate
for use in our library and the money generated
from their sale will be used to acquire needed
equipment and reference material to give our
membership a finer resource library. Please
contact Becky Aparicio at (520) 209-1811, 629-
0510 X 7011 or baparicio@tucsonaudubon.org
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
Swain Associates Ltd Architects AIA
www.swaimaia.com
Phil Swaim
7350 E Speedway Blvd, Ste 210
pswaim@swaimaia.com
520-326-3700
The Living Fence offers natural ocotillo fencing
to enhance the artistry of desert landscaping,
creating an appealing barrier between your
yard and unwanted critters. Ocotillo fences may
bloom with exquisite orange blossoms after each
desert rain and will provide many years of barrier
protection. Installation is available for additional fee.
www.thelivingfence.com
Bryck and Susan Guibor
3131 E Glenn St, Tucson, AZ 85716
bryck@msn.com
520-795-5300
The Oasis at Way Out West B&B/Private
Nature Preserve. A secluded trail side location
offers close-up wildlife observation and colorful
mountain sunsets. Bird our trails (135+ House List)
or the Catalinas. 20+ feeding stations, Naturalist/
Photographer on-site, Wi-Fi, Hydrotherapy spas,
Bike rentals, Eco-Excursions. WOWArizona.com.
520.825.4590.
Dr. Geoff Hill is looking for yards where he
can live-trap House Finches to be transported
back to Alabama for research. In exchange for
helping with the project, Dr. Hill will be happy
to offer a signed copy of his new book National
Geographic Bird Coloration. Contact Dr. Hill at
ghill@auburn.edu or 334-332-4930.
Become a Tucson Audubon Naturalist!
Training will take place Wednesdays and Fridays,
October 6–November 12, 10am–2pm at the
Mason Center. Naturalists will be trained in all
components of Sonoran Desert ecology and
taught how to present this information to the public
via Tucson Audubon’s education programs. Cost
is $180 for members and $215 for non-members
(non-member price incl. one year membership).
Naturalists must commit to two years of education
program volunteer work, with a minimum
requirement of 40 hours work each year. Other
requirements, like continuing education, will apply.
For more information and to reserve a space for
the training, call 629-0510, x7012.
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21
Tucson Audubon thanks our
Birds & Business Alliance
Members, who have shown their
support for bird conservation
through annual contributions 2 0 1 0 -2 0 1 1
and in-kind donations. Please
show them you appreciate
their support for us by supporting them. Visit www.
tucsonaudubon.org for more information about our
Birds & Business Alliance members, including links to
their websites.
Gold
*New
*Swaim Associates Ltd Architects AIA
• 520-326-3700 • www.swaimaia.com
Sterling
Adventure Birding Company
• 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com
Nature Treks & Passages
• 781-789-8127 • naturetreks.net
Rancho Esmeralda • 520-241-7072
• 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
Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM • 877-577-2275
Casa de San Pedro B&B • www.bedandbirds.com
*Cat Mountain Lodge • 520-578-6068
Coyote Wore Sideburns • 520-623-7341
Desert Toyota of Tucson • 520-296-8535
Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441
Economy Birding Services • 520-762-3201
El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association
Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC • 520-790-5433
Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com
Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677
Greenfire Ecological Landscaping • 520-429-7306
Heartstone Mountain Ranch • 877-562-2955
Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341
Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408
Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146
Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425
Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466
Salt River Project
Southern Arizona Paving & Construction
Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121
Sundance Press • 800-528-4827
TyrannoTours • 520-577-6546
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon • 800-828-5701
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson • 520-795-9955 VF
 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
Weather Watch

Name

Address

City / State / ­Zip

Email

Phone
‰‰ New ­membership q Renewing ­membership
‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon
events ­and conservation ­issues.
‰‰ Please do not share my contact ­information.
‰‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher.
I’ll read it online.
Donation
‰‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon
Society with ­an additional contribution of
q $25 q $50 q $100 q $­250.
‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly
Donor ­Program: I authorize the charge of
$____ per month for ____ months to my
credit card ($10/month minimum).
Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your ­tax-­deductible
gift for its environmental, educational and recreational ­programs.
Method of ­payment
‰‰ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society)
‰‰ MasterCard q Visa q AMEX
Children’s Bucket Hat. retails for $11.00. It also
comes in light blue with a leaping frog and in dark
blue with a lizard (as worn by Matt Brooks’s niece
Bella).
Skywatch West. $24.95. A fascinating guide jam-
packing with weather information, with a focus on
the western half of the continent.
Weather Pocket Naturalist. $5.95. A handy quick
reference fold-out guide to weather systems.
Weather—Golden Guide. $6.95. A pocket-sized
guide to weather
Weather Wizards Cloud Book. $8.95. A unique
guide for learning to predict weather accurately and
easily by reading the clouds.
Water—DK Eye Know series. $8.99. A children’s
book for exploring the world of water.
Tru-chek Rain Gauge. $14.00. A great citizen
science tool for measuring rain in your own
backyard. VF

Credit Card No.

Expiration Date Amount $

Signature
Please send your application with payment ­to
Tucson Audubon ­Society,
300 E. University Blvd, #120,
Tucson, AZ ­85705
(Attn: Jean Barchman,
Happy Bird-day Tucson!!
Membership Coordinator) Celebrate Tucson’s 235th birthday at the Tucson Audubon Nature Shops. The Nature
OR join, renew or ­donate online at Shop at Agua Caliente Park will have a Thursday, August 19, “Happy Bird Day
www.tucsonaudubon.org
Tucson” celebration, 7:30 am–11:30 am, with an early morning Pima County “Wake Up
With the Birds” walk, refreshments, games, and a 15% sale on certain items.
The Main Shop will have refreshments and snacks available, and a 15% discount on
all sales (excluding optics and coffee) on Friday, August 20.

22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010


When the Rains Come: A Naturalist’s Year
in the Sonoran Desert
By John Alcock. $21.95
John Alcock has written another excellent book
about the Sonoran Desert. For more than 30
years, John Alcock has observed nature in the
Usery Mountains near Phoenix. His enthusiasm
for his chosen subject makes for enjoyable and
educational reading. Alcock is a prophet of sorts for
the desert: he takes the common stereotype that
the desert is a barren and empty place and turns
it on its head. Instead of emptiness, he paints a
vivid canvas of life at its most well-adapted. Alcock
argues that the desert is not only a complex and
rich environment, but one where every niche has
been artfully and intricately filled.
As the title suggests, this book is about rain.
Rain transforms the desert and opens a brief
window of opportunity for many desert denizens to
reproduce and experience a “land of plenty.” In no
other landscape is water more important and more
efficiently used. In his relaxed and easy-to-read
prose, Alcock argues that a desert shouldn’t be
judged by its dryness, but by what it can do with
the moisture it receives. Every living thing in the
desert reacts to this life-giving liquid. It is nothing
short of astounding. I highly recommend this book
if you want to feel like you have been invited into
the private world of a highly observant naturalist
and been given an intimate tour into an ecosystem
seldom seen even by those who call this place
home.
Review by Diane Szollosi and Matt Brooks
When you need a book, think of Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! Support your local book store. 520-629-0510
Bookends
Jeremy Jackrabbit Harvests the Rain
By Sasha and Rodney Glassman,
Dandak Publishing. $10
Sing down the Rain
By Judi Moreillon with illustrations by Michael
Chiago, Kiva Publishing, Inc. $15.95
A great children’s book creates a sense of
involvement in the child as he listens, reads and
sees. The art needs to be stunning to capture a
child’s attention, but the prose and poetry should
be meaningful and mesmerizing, making for a
captivating read for child and adult. Reviewing
childrens books is fun but important work and the
task is made challenging when two books with
similar themes can be compared. Why does one hit
the mark and another come up short?
Jeremy Jackrabbit Harvests the Rain is a first
children’s book for Sasha and Rodney Glassman,
both of whom are working towards making
the community of Tucson a more sustainable
place. The authors want to impart their personal
commitment to rainwater harvesting and to share
their formidable knowledge with children. The
endearing, whimsical illustrations are by the
student artists of Tucson, and the text talks of
Jeremy who lives in the desert, loves all things
green, and goes on a search for more water to
keep things that wonderful color. A child and
parent could learn “meaty” tips on how to harvest
rain, what it means and why it’s important. The
unfortunate point is that the reading out loud and
listening are difficult because the rhyming and
pattern of words just don’t quite fit. Still this little
book is sweet for the illustrations and the $10 price
tag.
The comparison book is Sing down the Rain
by Judi Moreillon with illustrations by Michael
Chiago. Moreillon is a professional storyteller and
Tucson librarian who brings these experiences to
the story line that could make this children’s book a
classic. Chiago is one of very few southern Arizona
Indian painters to achieve national recognition,
and his beautiful acrylic and watercolor desert
July–August 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23
illustrations are gems of detail that reflect his
Tohono O’odham culture and his pride of heritage.
Their collaboration talks of the O’odham rain
ceremony and the making of saguaro wine. The
illustrations are of a desert landscape changing
from dry bright blue skies to ever-darkening
monsoon conditions with flashing lightening and
desert gullies awash with sustaining water. The
use of iambic pentameter creates the singing,
story-telling quality that much resembles the choral
readings and song that are a requisite when a
culture has no written language. Some stanzas are
cleverly repeated, nearly hypnotic, and children will
likely remember the phrase—
“Clouds swollen with rain that’s waiting to fall
Will bring cooling water for one and for all” VF
Becky Aparicio and Laura Cotter
Tucson Audubon
Nature Shops
When you support your local Tucson
Audubon Society you are supporting birds
and bird habitat conservation. Thank you!
SHOP HOURS
Main Shop
Monday–Saturday 10 am–4  pm,
except Monday & Thursday until 5  pm
Phone: 629-0510
On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue.
Agua Caliente Park Shop
July & August: Thursday,
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 7:30 am
Loaner binoculars available, meet in front of
the ranch house. For more information call
Pima County Parks and Rec. 615-7855.
For permit requests and general information about
park rules and regulations call 749-3718
 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 4 July–August 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.

For Birds. For People. Not for Profit.

Dawn Turner

Our Summer Appeal.

Everything Tucson Audubon does is for our birds. Protecting, restoring, and
creating natural areas, and helping people better understand the needs of our
wildlife.

Robert Shantz
We aspire to create the spark that develops into a life-long passion to protect
our natural world and the water supporting our fragile Sonoran environment.

Natural areas, more wildlife, and a greater understanding all add to

YOUR quality of life too.

Giving is easy! Try one of these ways:

• Call Jean Barchman to make a gift with your credit card on 520-209-1802
• Donate online at www.tucsonaudubon.org Paul & Eng-Li Green

• Or use the envelope we recently sent you to mail your check

• Or swipe your Smart Phone over the Quick Response code here

Thank you!
Paul & Eng-Li Green

Getting more water from the sky means

more water for our wildlife.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates • See page 8 for Events Calendar.
24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–August 2010