VERMILION

Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org

F LY C A T C H E R
May–June 2009 | Volume 54, Number 3

Birds and
Water
Water Rights for
Our Environment 3
A Dow Jones
Index for Birds 12
Flowing Water and
Bird Diversity 14

What’s in a Name?
Lucifer Hummingbird 10
Where to Go, Birds to See 16

T U C S O N A U D U B O N ’ S B I - M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R
 Features
10 What’s in a Name? Lucifer
Hummingbird
11 Riparian Areas in Southeastern
Arizona
Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving
the quality of the environment by providing education, 12 A Dow Jones Index for Birds
conservation, and recreation programs,
environmental leadership, and information. Tucson 14 Why Birds Need Surface Water
Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of
people with a common interest in birding and natural 16 Up, Down, All Around
history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library,
and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which
benefit all of its programs. Departments
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 3 Guest Commentary
629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax)
All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. 4 News Roundup
www.tucsonaudubon.org
8 Events and Classes
Board Officers & Directors
Messages 622-5622 9 Events Calendar
President Herb Trossman FRONT COVER: Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Vice President Mich Coker 17 Conservation & Education News Photo ©2007 by Steve Baranoff,
Secretary Robert Merideth
Treasurer Tom Rehm 19 Field Trips specializing in bird images, based in
Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie, Development Austin (TX) and Richmond (VA),
Sandy Elers, Education Cynthia Pruett, Finance Tom Rehm, 22 Classified Ads
Nominating Robert Merideth www.birdsbybaranoff.com.
Directors at Large Clark Blake, Mary Kay Eiermann, Sandy 22 Birding Travel from our Business
Elers, Julie Gordon, Linda Greene, Craig Marken, Robert Partners To have your photographs considered
Mesta, Liz Payne, Bill Roe, Jessie Shinn, Linda Stitzer,
Bob Wenrick
for use in the Vermilion Flycatcher,
26 Elected Officials Contact List
Directors at Large Elect Richard Fray, Neil Markowitz, please contact Matt Griffiths at
Cynthia Pruett, Adrian Quijada 26 Nature Shops mgriffiths@tucsonaudubon.org.
Programs & Activities
Field Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315 27 Bookends
Library David West 629-0510
Membership Meetings Chris Harrison 629-0757
Rare Bird Alert John Yerger | Report Rare Birds 798-1005
Staff
Executive Director Paul Green
Operations Manager Michael Monyak
777-9525
629-0757 Spending Time with Family Outdoors

JOHNNY AND JOHN KING AT TUCSON AUDUBON’S 2008 FAMILY RIPARIAN INSTITUTE / AXHEL MUÑOS
Accountant Jean Boris 629-0757
Accountant Michelle Bourgeois 629-0757 Sara Pike, Nature Shop Manager
Education Program Manager Carrie Dean 622-2230
Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks 622-2230 Field Guide: $20
Membership Development Chris Harrison 629-0757 PB&J Picnic: $15
Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman 622-5622
IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor 628-1730 Spending Time with Family Outdoors: Priceless!
IBA Program Assistant Ruth Wilderman 628-1730
Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen 206-9900 It seems, lately, that we are all looking for something
Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 stable and beautiful to cling to; something we can
Restoration/Communications Specialist
Matthew Griffiths 206-9900
believe in and feel comfortable with. Spring time
Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom 971-6238 seems the perfect time to step back and reflect on
University Shop Manager Sara Pike 622-2230 what it means to find that spirituality and comfort in
Agua Caliente Shop Manager Becky Aparicio 760-7881
nature. Nature does not judge, nature does not turn
Tucson Audubon Nature Shops
300 E University Blvd #120 629-0510 you away. Nature only wants to show you more.
623-3476 fax / 622-2230 Shop Manager Consider spending time outdoors with your family,
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 AM–4 PM (5 PM Mon & Thu)
or on your own, as an inexpensive, fun and educational
Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881
Hours: Tue, Fri, Sat 9 AM–3:30 PM (May & June)
way to bring something special and different to your life.
You can pick up an easy field guide to the wildflowers,
Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly. For address
insects, birds or mammals. Then head out on the trail, or
changes or subscription problems call 622-5622, or write to
Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E. University into your own neighborhood, to start an identification journey!
Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions are due the 1st Children especially enjoy this process of learning about the
of the month, two months before the date of the issue. Please
world around them.
send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF documents,
or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at If you’re looking for a more structured approach to the outdoors,
mgriffiths@tucsonaudubon.org. you could also give our Riparian Family Institute a try. This Institute is held along
Coordinator Matt Griffiths 206-9900 the San Pedro River north of Tucson (this year, in March and again in the fall). Spend
Proofreaders Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 and
Tucson Audubon staff and board members fun time with family learning about life along our precious rivers. Look for more details
Layout Eng-Li Green on this Institute in future newsletters.
VF

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009

 GUEST OPINION
KATHY JACOBS
Ecosytem Rights? In Arizona?
Though Arizona has a well-deserved
reputation for gains in managing water
quality and quantity for human use, there
are virtually no state-based regulations
that are intended to protect habitat or
ecosystems. Multiple states have
developed environmental quality acts that
require environmental assessments in
addition to those required by federal law,
but Arizona is not among them. At this
time, the closest to a water right for the
environment in Arizona is the ability to
designate in-stream flow water rights for
fish and wildlife purposes, but there are
restrictions on who can apply for such
rights. Even if one meets the requirements,
the water right will be junior to all upstream
users who established their prior
appropriation rights at an earlier date.
Several countries and cities have
recently amended their water rights
systems to establish legally enforceable
environmental rights for nature, or
ecosystem rights. They include multiple
municipalities in the US, as well as South
Africa, South Australia, and as of last
September, Ecuador.
“The Rights of Nature laws 
represent changes to the status of
property law, eliminating the authority
of a property owner to interfere with
the functioning of ecosystems that
exist and depend upon that property
for their existence and flourishing .
Ecuador’s constitution  recognize(s)
that ecosystems possess the
inalienable and fundamental right to
exist and flourish, and that people
possess the legal authority to enforce
those rights on behalf of ecosystems.”
—Community Environmental
Legal Defense Fund
What about the potential to establish
rights of this kind in Arizona? Looking at
the last 30 years of history, there are
certain unavoidable facts. First, though
there have been several major attempts at
providing some level of protection for
riparian areas, none have been successful
at providing even very limited new
KENDALL KROESEN
Sycamore Canyon Creek
regulatory authority. Recently, limited
discussions arose about the possibility
of a new state legislative initiative, but
that concept appears to have been
abandoned. Second, all of the surface
water rights in Arizona are already
appropriated, so if water rights were
allocated to the environment, they would
have to be reallocated from an existing
user. This compounds the potential for
objections to a new water rights regime
and would make such environmental
water rights costly. Third, establishing
water rights for the environment is only
the first step in actually protecting
environmental flows. At the current time,
state-initiated enforcement of Arizona’s
surface water rights is virtually unknown,
and the Arizona Department of Water
Resources is in the process of being
dismantled by the legislature. Without
proactive implementation and
enforcement, a new water rights system
would have little impact.
Fourth, though Arizonans do value the
few remaining free-flowing streams, it
appears that private property rights
advocates have failed to notice that these
amenities add significantly to existing land
values, as has been shown by numerous
studies by Bonnie Colby, Rosalind Bark,
and others. In other words, if we are truly
interested in protecting private property
rights, protecting the few remaining
riparian amenities should rise to the top of
our agenda. However, this IS Arizona.
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
Some new ideas are being
considered that focus on market-
based tools that provide financial
incentives for existing users to
voluntarily lease or sell water
rights for environmental
purposes. In other states there
are water trusts that provide
water for environmental flow
purposes, and in some there
are mitigation banks and other
similar mechanisms. So far, the most
successful approach here is buying land
and retiring the surface water rights, or
converting them to instream flow rights. To
the extent that there are no new diverters
either upstream in the surface water
regime or up-gradient in the groundwater
regime, this is an effective way to preserve
water-based habitat. Still, it is based on
“treating nature as property” rather than
acknowledging the rights of environmental
systems to “exist, persist, maintain and
regenerate its vital cycles, structure,
functions and its processes in evolution”
as now allowed in the Ecuador
Constitution.
Though the state legislature seems
less likely than ever to be interested in
this idea, a number of environmental
organizations are increasingly interested
in non-regulatory or market-based
approaches to securing water supplies to
protect environmental flows. It is worth
spending some time and effort on this
topic while we do still have a couple of
flowing streams.
Information on the recent vote in Ecuador
is from a Community Environmental Legal
Defense Fund news release at www.celdf.
org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx. VF
Until July 1, Kathy Jacobs is the director
of the Arizona Water Institute and a
professor at The University of Arizona.
She is the former director of the Arizona
Department of Water Resources Tucson
Active Management Area.
3

TUCSON AUDUBON
NEWS ROUNDUP
Working Together Green
in Tucson neighborhoods
Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager
Tucson Audubon is reaching
out to neighborhoods that want
more sustainable, bird-friendly
landscapes.
In March and April I spoke
to three central Tucson
neighborhoods about some
basic landscaping principles
and the ecological issues they
could help address. In May I
will speak to a neighborhood
association on the northwest
side.
The message is that we use
far too much potable water on
landscaping, and we get little
in return in terms of urban
wildlife habitat. The potable
water we use takes energy to
pump it to our homes and
ALL PHOTOS KENDALL KROESEN
4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009
installed two “rain gardens”— Society. Together Green is an
landscape basins that harvest Audubon program with funding
rainwater and grow native from Toyota (see
plants. We have been working www.togethergreen.org).
with the neighborhood to
increase awareness of
sustainable landscaping
practices and the wildlife that
can be supported by
homeowners. Many more
gardens and educational
events are planned.
businesses, and that has a big
Work at Barrio Kroeger Lane
carbon footprint. We need to
is being supported by a
create landscapes of native
TogetherGreen Innovation
plants that survive on
Grant from National Audubon
harvested rainwater. These
landscapes need to make
shade to cool our city, and they
need to support declining
species of birds and other
wildlife.
If your neighborhood
association or homeowners
association would like to hear
more about these ideas,
please contact me. I would be
glad to visit.
In March we broke ground
with our first major partner in
this endeavor, Barrio Kroeger
Lane. In private yards we
Top: A newly constructed rain garden
in a yard in Barrio Kroeger Lane. Nine
species of wildlife-friendly, native
plants were planted in the basin.
Some provide berries and seeds for
birds, some attract hummingbirds and
other pollinators, and a small tree and
large shrub will provide cover and
nesting opportunities.
Middle: The rain garden is positioned
below a roofline where rainwater spills
over. Formerly that rainwater flooded
the adjacent dirt parking area and
spilled out into the road. Now some of
it will infiltrate into the ground in the
garden. The homeowners like it so
much they plan to build another one!
Bottom: A youth from Barrio Kroeger
Lane helps Restoration Program Field
Supervisor Rodd Lancaster line a
second basin, in another yard, with
rock to prevent erosion.
Liz’s Grove provides a window into the Lower San Pedro
River IBA and its many birds of conservation concern
Scott Wilbor, Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist

MATT GRIFFITHS
By now many of you know the
Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
at Tucson Audubon and Audubon
Arizona is providing biological
information and facilitating
partnerships to advance the
conservation of critical habitat within
the Lower San Pedro River Important
Bird Area. But, some of you may not
know about an ideal place along the
Lower San Pedro River where you
can go right now to see the birds that
we are working so hard to conserve.
This birding area is called Liz’s Grove.
It is located near Dudleyville, Arizona,
at the far north (downstream) end of
the IBA. The site is privately owned
and accessed by calling Bill Taylor,
the property steward (visit
www.lizsgrove.com). The Bureau of
Land Management holds a
conservation easement over the
property.
Liz’s Grove is a nice place to
experience the high quality riverine
habitat we are trying to conserve A nine-mile reach of the Lower San
throughout this IBA. Here you can see Pedro River (above) through private
Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (part lands at San Manuel, Arizona, is a key
of the largest population in the state), site of our Important Bird Area
Program bird studies this spring and
dense nesting populations of Lucy’s
summer in order to assist this IBA’s
Warbler and Bell’s Vireo, and conservation and protection.
significant populations of Yellow-billed Within the Lower San Pedro River

VE.COM
Cuckoo, plus nesting raptors including IBA, Liz’s Grove (right) at Dudleyville,
Mississippi Kite, Gray Hawk, Common Arizona, is a fine place to see many

GALE FRANK / LIZSGRO

Black-Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk.
Audubon’s WatchList birds include:
Bell’s Vireo (Red listed—highest
ranking), Lucy’s Warbler, and Abert’s
Towhee (both Yellow listed). Arizona
Game and Fish Department
recognizes Species of Greatest
Conservation Need, and that list
includes the rest of the species above.
Some other observable birds include:
Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-breasted Chat, and Hooded
Oriole. Most of this larger IBA is a
patchwork of different private and
public lands that are hard to access
and to safely park your vehicle. Liz’s
Grove is a welcoming place to bird,
have a picnic, and spend some time
bird species we are trying to
conserve.
viewing all these spectacular riparian
birds.
On the broader front of
conservation for this 22-mile river
reach, the Arizona IBA program is
embarking on an inventory of
migration stop-over birds and all
nesting birds during this spring and
summer of 2009, focused on BHP
Billiton lands along a nine-mile river
reach near San Manuel, Arizona. BHP
Billiton, a mining company that
presently manages these riparian
lands, has provided financial and
logistical assistance to the IBA
Program, for which we are very
grateful. We are particularly interested
in mapping nest territories and
recording habitat features for Gray
Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tropical
and Thick-billed Kingbirds. Three
other upland birds of conservation
concern occur in the IBA because of
the proximity of saguaros and
Sonoran Desert-scrub bordering the
riparian area: Gilded Flicker, Costa’s
Hummingbird, and Elf Owl. Our goal is
to provide all our key
partners with the necessary bird
population and habitat data to inform
decisions on how to best protect this
privately owned section of high quality
riparian habitat within this IBA. We are
working so that more areas like Liz’s
Grove are conserved and available to
the public to enjoy, while protecting
the birds and high quality habitat that
make this IBA so special a place in
Arizona!

MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5


TUCSON AUDUBON
NEWS ROUNDUP
Tucson Audubon welcomes new
board members
At the Annual Meeting of the Tucson
Audubon Society, held April 13, 2009,
the members present elected the
following persons to the Board of
Directors: Herb Trossman, President,
and Mich Coker, Vice President,
each elected to a second, two-year
term; and Richard Fray, Neil
Markowitz, Cynthia Pruett, and
Adrian Quijada, each to their first,
three-year term as Director at Large.
The re-elected officers and newly
elected directors will commence their
terms at the board’s meeting on May
4, 2009, joining the board’s 11
continuing members.
The board, staff, and other Tucson
Audubon affiliates extend their
deepest gratitude to departing board
members Clark Blake and Bob
Wenrick, each having served one
term on the board, and Robert Mesta,
who served the limit of two terms. In
recognition of exemplary service to
the Society, the Board of Directors will
award each with a lifetime Friends of
Tucson Audubon membership.
Tucson Audubon welcomes four
new board members. We invite you to
learn a little about their backgrounds.
Neil Markowitz
“I have been a professional
environmental educator for more than
25 years. I have an undergraduate
degree from Rutgers University and a
Above right: Cynthia Pruett selling raffle tickets at the 2008 Ironwood Festival to raise funds for Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center and its programs.
Below left to right: Neil Markowitz, Adrian Quijada-Mascareñas with a gila monster, Richard Fray pointing to a Spotted Owl.
6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009
Master of Science from the University
of Michigan. I have always loved
traveling and living internationally. I
worked for two years for the Israeli
Ministry of Environment, researching
air quality issues in the late 1970s.
Subsequently, I lived in Australia and
taught on the faculty at Deakin
University outside of Melbourne in the
mid-1980s. After spending five years
as the director of a community nature
center in New Jersey, I moved to
Tucson and cofounded in 1991 the
Environmental Education Exchange.
Since graduate school, I have enjoyed
bird watching, and since childhood
have found nourishment and solace in
the out-of-doors. I hope to lend to
Tucson Audubon my educational
expertise in the areas of strategic
planning, program development, and
evaluation to help advance the
society’s already successful and
growing educational program. I also
look forward to sharing
camaraderie and a passion for
the environment with other members
and friends of the organization.”
Adrian Quijada-Mascareñas
“I was born in Sonora, Mexico, where
I acquired my fascination for wildlife.
My early studies focused on
herpetology and ornithology, and went
on to graduate studies in ecology and
evolution. I went to graduate school in
Wales, United Kingdom, and earned a youngest ever committee member of
PhD for a study of rattlesnakes. Upon the Leicester-shire & Rutland
my return to Mexico, I worked as Ornithological Society, serving on
professor at the University of numerous sub-committees. He was
Michoacán. In 2008 I moved to
Arizona as a research scientist in The
also Editor of the Society's newsletter,
The Grebe, for three years, and
University of Arizona’s School of designed the Society’s website, which
Natural Resources. I love field trips, is regularly positioned in the top 20 of
particularly if these include birding and all birding websites worldwide. He ran
‘herping’. I believe that my interest in the second-longest running bird
binational and trans-border wildlife survey in the UK, on behalf of the
and education issues coincides LROS and British Trust for
greatly with Tucson Audubon Ornithology, for three years, and was
objectives and goals.” also involved in the project to
reintroduce Ospreys to England. He’s
Cynthia Pruett
now an active participant in Christmas
“With a BS in Chemical Engineering
Bird Counts in Tucson, Elfrida, and
and later an MBA, a good portion of
Patagonia.
my career was spent as an executive
Richard lives in midtown Tucson
in IBM. I directed many departments
with his wife Melanie and their eight
dealing with environmental, health
cats and dogs. When not involved
and safety issues, and set policy for
with wildlife, he likes to spend time
the corporation worldwide. My main
socializing and following his favorite
interests include birding, gardening,
English soccer team, Leicester City.
photography, and travel. For the past
He owns a web design company and
year, I have served as a non-board
is a keen amateur wildlife
member chair of the Education
photographer (www.rpf-wildlife-
Committee. As a new board member, I
photos.com).
believe we must continually engage
Richard is looking forward to
our members and the public with top-
working with Tucson Audubon,
notch education programs that are fun
especially in the areas of technology,
and increase knowledge. This
development, and conservation.
knowledge will give people a greater
appreciation of the environment and
the role of birds that will ultimately
lead us to conserve our ever-declining
natural resources.”
Richard Fray
Richard was born in Leicester,
England, in 1973, and lived there until
moving to Tucson in 2002. He grew
up around wildlife and has always
taken a keen interest in it. He was the
KE
DA
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KR
OESE
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New staff financial management
team in place
Tucson Audubon is pleased to have a
new, well-qualified, and experienced
team in place to manage our finances.
Jean Boris, CPA, joined Tucson
Audubon as our Accountant in
November. Jean and her husband
owned and operated a steel-
construction company for ten years,
and she has more than 20 years
VOLUNTEER OF
From fun to funding
THE MONTH
To continue as an agent for your
“quality of life”, to continue to protect
worked up to the position of and restore habitat throughout our
Controller. About three years ago, I region for wildlife and people, Tucson
began pursuing a Bachelor’s degree Audubon needs your generous
in Interior Design, and am still working donations this spring. Please contact
towards that as a part-time student. Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
Between my college studies, charrison@tucsonaudubon.org for
taking care of a home, and two dogs I details on any of the following:
seem to have very little time for time  Birdathon 2009 is our most
for recreation! One of my favorite significant spring fundraiser. You still

accounting experience in various
industries.
Jean’s personal interests mostly
involve her family and nature, and she
enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and
backyard birding. Spending time at
the beach is a family favorite. Jean
joined Tucson Audubon to get
involved with a community that
supports conservation and nature,
KENDALL KROESEN
areas to hike is Madera Canyon and have until May 10 to start a birding/
have become addicted to the fundraising team or donate to teams
tranquility offered by the setting. I am that approach you for support. Or you
fortunate that my home backs up to a can make a simple donation online at
natural riparian wash on the far www.tucsonaudubon.org/chapter/ Jean Rios was born in
eastside of Tucson and enjoy seeing birdathon to support our Birdathon Plymouth, Michigan and is now
the wildlife that literally lives in my efforts. a Tucson resident. She is a
backyard. Donate $500 by May 12 and retired teacher. Jean first joined
I hope that my accounting and join a group of up to 12 people, Tucson Audubon Society in the
organizational skills will contribute to including leader Rick Wright 1980s. Her community involve-

and she hopes that her accounting
experience will contribute to the
sustainability of our organization, the
birding community, and the
environment in general. Additionally,
she hopes to gain experience and
knowledge about conservation,
education, and birding from Tucson
Audubon’s many supporters.
Michelle Bourgeois, Jean’s
accounting colleague who joined us in
March, writes: “I have lived in Tucson
6
the overall success of Tucson (Managing Director of WINGS Birding
ment includes working at the
Audubon. My goal is to help the Tours Worldwide), in Madera Canyon
Tucson Audubon Nature Shop,
organization be the best steward on May 13th. Enjoy relaxed birding
and for Primavera, KUAT-TV,
possible of the funds given to it. I followed by brunch and good
Inter-mountain Centers for
hope my association here will help me conversation (see p 28 for details).
Human Development, Ben’s
to become an environmentally aware Tucson Audubon is organizing a
Bells, Victim Witness, and
designer in the future, with a strong series of house parties for members
Ronald MacDonald House.
interest in “green design.” and friends in different neighbor-
hoods. Meet, eat, and talk with board SIX QUESTIONS
and staff to learn about and support a First time you went birding?
program of your choice. When I first attended Tucson
Tucson Audubon staff needs your Audubon’s Institute of Desert
PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN

since 1982, and have been doing financial support in order to represent Ecology.
accounting for more than 27 years. the voice of conservation throughout
Your level of birding?
My longest career association was our community. If you value the
Intermediate
with PICOR Commercial Real Estate outcomes of our work, please donate
here in Tucson for 10 years, where I Madera Canyon Favorite places to go birding?
today. We thank you for your support.
Patagonia area, Sulfur Springs
Valley, Salton Sea, Bosque del
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Apache NWR
Unusual event that happened
Dorene Anderson, Edward & Gail Apple, Robert Arnberger, Caroline Bates, Jason Beale, David & Nora Berklich,
while birding? Calling in a
L. Anne-Arin Berlin, Christine Berry, Anne Bowden, William Brascher, Shannon Breslin & Kristin Terpening, Louise M.
birding guide at Patagonia
Buschmann, Ruth Cañada, Chris Caseine, Charlene Cavender, Ron Cinkus, Sara & David Clement, Barbara
Covarrubias, Robert Cox, John Crow, Barbara D. Cunningham, Kay Cutter, Robert & Cathey Daugherty, Barbara
Roadside Rest with my
Deneen, Jackson Dennis, Harinam Elliott, Phyllis Florek, Judith Fortney, William Gardner, Myrna Gary, Paul & Cecilia
Audubon bird tweeter—I
Gee, Charles Giddings, Janet Gray, David Griffis, William Grings, William Grove, Carey Haas, Muggsi Hahn, Nina thought he had moved off.
Hansen, Karen Harris, George Hawthorne, Christopher & Donna Helms, Gifford & Cynthia Hoyer, James & Elaine Favorite bird and where did
Hutton, JoAnn Jackson, Cathleen Johnson, Sarah Jordan, Edward & Bunny Kleckner, Peter Lawless, Helen Lester, Yue you see it? Black Skimmer and
Li, Kim Lile, Rebecca Limas, Warren & Felicia May, James McConnell, Robert & Judy Miller, Douglas Moore, Bernard Wood Stork at Salton Sea;
Morenz, Ryan Morgan, Ted & Emily Morrison, David & Janice Munger, Doug Munson, Marcia Nedland, John & Krista Elegant Trogon at Cave Creek
Neis, Linda Nelson, Ted & Sandra Notz, Sharon Overstreet, Janice Pachelbel,Patricia Patten, Joy Phoenix, Don & Linda in the Chiricahuas; Rufous-
Piele, Lee & Bobbie Probst, David Quanrud, Erique Rivas, Patricia Roediger, Robert Rosenthal, George & Edie Schlieff, capped Warbler at French Joe
Olivia & Saxe Sheeran, Farshad Shirazi, Kay L. Shoudy, Terje & Ellen Skotheim, Jeanne Slavin, Sanders Solot, Robert Canyon in June (100+ degrees)
& Carmine Tapley, Abbott & Martha Taylor, Ken Thompson, Donna Tolbert-Anderson, Jennifer Vella, Robert Villa, Steve Other hobbies? Reading,
West, Terry & Judy Weymouth, Mark Wilson, Dr. Howard Winkler, Rose Yniguez colored-pencil art, math and
Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator logic puzzles VF

MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7

 TUCSON AUDUBON Living With Nature
EVENTS AND CLASSES Lecture Series
TUCSON
May 4, Monday 7 PM
DuVal Auditorium, University Medical
Center (UMC)
THE OWL AND THE WOODPECKER:
Encounters with North America's Most
Iconic Birds with Paul Bannick
Award-winning photographer Paul Bannick will take
us on a visual journey of 11 key North American
habitats through the needs of North America's owl
and woodpecker species. He will focus on species
found in Southeastern Arizona. This stunning
photographic study will be accompanied by field
stories and rich natural history derived from
thousands of hours in the field. His talk will look at
the way owls and woodpeckers define and enrich
their habitat and how their life-histories are
intertwined.
Paul is an award-winning photographer whose
work has appeared in Audubon magazine as well
PAUL BANNICK

as many other books, magazines, and on exhibit at

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls
parks, refuges and other places in North America
and Europe. His recently released book, The Owl
and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North
America's Most Iconic Birds, will be available at the
lecture. For more details, see page 27.
Note: The Tucson Audubon Living With Nature
series takes a break during the summer and will
resume in September.

AVAILABLE IN OUR NATURE SHOPS

International Migratory
Bird Day t-shirt and
migration poster will
be available in the
Nature Shops in
May, and also at
PAUL BANNICK

our store at the

IMBD celebration
in Madera
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Canyon.
T-shirt $20
Poster $3
International Migratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon
May 2, Saturday 9 AM–3 P M
Madera Canyon
Join Tucson Audubon, Friends of Madera Canyon, National Forest Service, and other conservation
organizations to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) at the Whitehouse Picnic Area in Madera
Canyon. There will be bird walks (might begin before 9 AM), and activities for all ages. For more information
go to www.tucsonaudubon.org or www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org or contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrison@tucsonaudubon.org.
IMBD is officially the second Saturday in May each year, but events can be held any time to celebrate the
arrival or journey of migratory birds. The 2009 IMBD theme is “Birds in Culture” (see right for some IMBD
items available in our Nature Shops).

8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009


Tucson Audubon Expert-led
Birdathon Teams
May 2 & May 7
Madera and many birding hotspots
If you don't have a Birdathon team, it’s not too late
to join one of ours! It’s a great way to meet other
local birders and nature lovers. Each team will be
led by a professional local guide or a Tucson
Audubon staff member. All you do is sign up, ask
your friends and family for pledges, and show up
for a great time. Registration is required: contact
Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or
charrison@tucsonaudubon.org.
BEGINNER BIRDATHON TEAMS
A minimum of $150 in pledges or donations is
EVENTS CALENDAR
Important Bird Areas
Program Surveys Through May 10. Tucson Audubon’s
Various dates in May–July Birdathon. Put the “fun” back in fundraising!
Patagonia Mountains and No experience necessary!
Lower San Pedro River
Through May 15. Tucson Bird Count
If you have been through IBA Bird Monitoring
training or are particularly experienced with formal
May 2, Saturday 9 AM–3 PM. International
bird surveys, we want your help! Five events are
Migratory Bird Day at Madera Canyon
coming up, all with Friday night stays. Patagonia
(details p 8)
Mountains (camping): May 16 and June 6 May 2, Saturday 7:30–10:30 AM. Migration in
(transects). Lower San Pedro BHP riparian-lands, Madera Tucson Audubon Birdathon event with
San Manuel, AZ: May 30 (point counts), June 20 Paul Green and staff (details left)
(mature tall tree groves focus), and July 11 (final
May 2, Saturday 3 AM–8 PM. Gonzo Birders
transect). Call Scott Wilbor or Ruth Wilderman at
Tucson Audubon Birdathon event led by John
the Tucson Audubon IBA Office for more details
Yerger (details left)
(628-1730). VF

requested from each team member. May 4, Monday 7 PM. Living With Nature
Migration in Madera, with Paul Green and Tucson Lecture, Tucson: The Owl and the
Audubon staff. May 2, 7:30–10:30 AM: Madera Woodpecker with Paul Bannick (details p 8)
Canyon is one of the best birding locations in
May 7, Thursday 2 AM–7:30 PM. Hoyer’s
Arizona; at this time of year we may see 40 or
Voyeurs Tucson Audubon Birdathon event led
more species as we travel from canyon bottom
by Rich Hoyer (details left)
towards the mountain top.
May 16, Jun 6. IBA Survey Patagonia
HARDCORE BIRDING TEAMS
Mountains (details left)
A minimum of $250 in pledges or donations is
requested from each team member. May 30. Birdie Brunch and Awards Ceremony
Gonzo Birders, with John Yerger, Adventure
for Tucson Audubon Birdathon participants
Birding senior guide. May 2, 3 AM–8 PM. Immerse May 30, Jun 20, Jul 11. IBA Survey Lower
yourself in the ultimate Birdathon experience with a San Pedro BHP riparian lands (details left)
veteran guide and Big Day planner. We'll hit a few
CLIFF CATHERS

hotspots like Madera Canyon and Patagonia, and

some “secret” spots during a 17-hour, coffee-
fueled marathon filled with almost every species Montezuma Quail
imaginable. Our target is 150+ species. Limited to
10 participants. Transportation included.
Hoyer's Voyeurs, with Rich Hoyer, senior guide for
WINGS. May 7, 2 AM–7:30 PM. Starting with owls
and other nightly audibles, this big-day attempt
assumes we won’t need all 24 hours to tally a huge
list. But with 17.5 hours planned, we’ll shoot for a
whopping 175 species within the boundaries of
Pima and Santa Cruz Counties! Limited to 10
participants. Transportation included.
Remember to collect and send in your pledges and
donations by May 20 for a chance at some cool
prizes. Then come and celebrate your efforts and
win prizes at the Birdie Brunch and Awards
Ceremony on May 30.
PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN

ROBERT SHANTZ

A pair of Rufous-capped Warblers has been entertaining birders in Florida Canyon this spring. On
The Birdathon kick-off at Sweetwater Wetlands April 4, the birds landed within seven feet of Julie Battiste of Hereford, before heading up the canyon.
netted Paul Green and team 55 species. Julie last saw the birds about 75 feet along the canyon, above the lone sycamore. VF

MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Lucifer Hummingbird
LARRY LIESE
Lucifer Hummingbird  Hmmm. Is it
evil? Does it have horns? Might it be
“round the next corner” in a Dungeons &
Dragons game? Thankfully the answer to
all of these questions is almost certainly
“no”, and an encounter with one of these
little avian gems is almost certain to make
one’s day. Little studied, this species is a
rare and local summer breeder in our
region, and has only become regular in
Arizona since the 1970s. It’s speculated
that this might be due to an increase in
the number of feeding stations,
augmented by increased numbers of
observers. High on the list of wanted
sightings by visiting birders, in present
times it is fairly easy to encounter by
following the Rare Bird Alert and listserv
postings. I often wonder if the birders of
yesteryear would scoff at us—they had to
go out and find these rarer birds on their
own!
Little studied, this species is
a rare and local summer
breeder in our region, and
has only become regular in
Arizona since the 1970s.
Back in 1827 British naturalist William
Swainson first classified this species,
originally naming it Cyanthus lucifer—cyn
is Greek for “blue,” anthus Greek for
either “bright” or “small bird,” and lucifer
being Latin for “light-bearing” or “torch-
ST
WE
GE
EOR
G
10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009
bearer.” Thus, it became “Little Bluish
Light-bearer” (like a small torch sailing in
the air). Later it was reclassified in the
genus Calothorax, Greek for “beautiful
breasted.” Modern birders, with all of our
field guides in hand, would call their
gorgets purple instead of bluish and
specify throat instead of breast, but that’s
being picky!
Both sexes have a distinctly
decurved bill, not seen on
other U.S. hummingbirds.
Habitat preference for Lucifer
Hummingbirds is arid open areas
populated with agaves. Though chiefly
pollinated by bats, agaves have an
abundant nectar supply that strongly
attracts this species. Big Bend National
Park in Texas is the stronghold for
breeding in the U.S, with an estimated
fifty females nesting there and a probable
similar number of males about. Like most
other hummingbirds, males don’t pair-
bond, but rather limit their activities to
finding and displaying for females.
Interesting (and considered unique
among hummingbirds) is that males
display to females sitting on their nests
(versus displaying at nectar sources).
Identification of Lucifer Hummingbirds
is fairly routine, though, as usual, females
take more care than males. Both sexes
have a distinctly decurved bill, not seen
on other U.S. hummingbirds. Some
hummingbirds, such as Black-
chinned, can have slight bill
curvature that looks
exaggerated when viewed in a
foreshortened manner; but once seen
well, the Lucifer’s bill should become a
diagnostic field mark. The vivid purple
gorget of the male might be confused with
that of Costa’s Hummingbird, but Lucifer
has a greenish crown. Males do have a
markedly forked tail, but it is almost never
visible as it is held to a point when
perched. Females share similarity to
female Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, and
are commonly seen together. Key
differences to look for are the decurved
GEO
RGE
WES
T
bill and dark auricular patch bordered by
a lighter stripe behind. Both of these
females have rich buff flanks.
In Arizona, Lucifer Hummingbirds are
present April through mid-October in the
Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains, and
have bred in both. Feeders in the Portal
area are probably your best bet in the
Chiricahuas. Ash Canyon B&B has
become the most reliable spot in the
Huachucas in recent years, plus they’re
sometimes at Beatty’s Guest Ranch in
nearby Miller Canyon.
So, if you’ve had a “devil” of a time
finding one of these rare hummingbirds,
head to one of these locations after
studying up on your field guides, and you
might add this one to your life list. Good
luck! VF
AVAILABLE IN OUR NATURE SHOPS
Hummingbirds of the American West by
Lynn Hassler Kaufman. Detailed descriptions of
field marks, behavioral characteristics, habitat
requirements, and prime locations, together with
extraordinary color photos. $12.95
Frequently Asked Questions about Hummingbirds
How long do hummingbirds live? How fast do
hummingbirds beat their wings? Learn the
answers to these questions and many others in
this easy-to-read book. $4.95
 SPECIAL FEATURE | RIPARIAN AREAS
Riparian Areas in Southeastern Arizona
A Long-term Priority for Tucson Audubon
KENDALL KROESEN | RESTORATION PROGRAM MANAGER
Riparian areas—the ecosystems along
rivers, streams, cienegas and washes—
take many forms in southeast Arizona.
Snowmelt trickles down mountain
streams. Large canyons host perennial
streams that drain out into the desert.
Large networks of desert washes carry
stormwater into lowland drainages,
sometimes in great surging flash floods.
And perennial or intermittent lowland
streams and rivers coalesce and run
through our desert basins.
In the Southwest, less than one percent
of the land surface contains riparian
vegetation. Nonetheless, the habitat is
crucial to wildlife. In Arizona and New
Mexico eighty percent of all animals make
use of riparian areas at some point in their
lives. Seventy percent of threatened and
endangered vertebrates in Arizona depend
on riparian habitat. More than fifty percent
of breeding bird species in the Southwest
nest primarily in riparian habitats.
For humans, riparian areas are oases
of shade and shelter. People use them for
exploration, exercise or contemplation.
Wildlife watchers seek the diverse wildlife
inhabiting, or migrating through, riparian
areas. Of the 20 birding field trips offered
by Tucson Audubon in May and June (see
page 19), at least 17 of them visit a
riparian area.
Shady and birdy riparian zones are not
only important aesthetically. A study by
the state of Arizona showed that the
HERB TROSSMAN
annual “total economic impact” of wildlife
watching (much of which is birding) is
now more than $1.5 billion. Riparian
areas are key to that. In addition, studies
show that property values are higher near
intact riparian areas.
After a 1945 visit to the Rillito in Tucson,
Herbert Brandt described “haughty
cottonwoods that tower along its margin,
either in groves or strung out as scattered
individuals. Mingled with the cottonwoods
(were) an understory of open shrubbery 
willows, and numbers of dense, desert
elderberry .” Brandt joyfully described
herons, egrets, vireos, warblers,
yellowthroats, orioles, towhees, sparrows,
buntings, and other birds.
Given all the benefits of riparian areas,
it is shocking to see what we have lost
since Brandt’s visit. The forests of the
Santa Cruz and Rillito Rivers in Tucson
have been hit hard by groundwater
pumping. The San Pedro River is barely
hanging on.
Tucson Audubon advocates for
protection and conservation of riparian
resources. In the 1960s Tucson Audubon
helped raise funds for The Nature
Conservancy’s purchase of riparian habitat
along Sonoita Creek near Patagonia.
In the late 1990s Tucson Audubon
helped form the Coalition for Sonoran
Desert Protection. The Coalition heavily
influenced Pima County’s Sonoran Desert
Conservation Plan, which identifies
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
OESEN
KENDALL KR
remaining riparian areas as high priority
areas for conservation and restoration (see
www.pima.gov/CMO/SDC/Riparian.html).
When the Santa Cruz River’s protection
under the Clean Water Act was threatened
recently by the Army Corps of Engineers,
Tucson Audubon reacted forcefully to
inform appropriate policy makers. The
Environmental Protection Agency reversed
the Corps’ decision, and protections
remain, although now under legal
challenge by the National Homebuilders
Association and the Southern Arizona
Homebuilders Association (see page 18).
Tucson Audubon recently fought against
high-density developments along riparian
areas in rural northern Santa Cruz County.
In 2008 the Board of Supervisors
approved the development in spite of
opposition by the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Several groups, including
Tucson Audubon, worked to give voters a
chance to overturn that decision. In
November 2008 they did!
Tucson Audubon’s habitat restoration
program focuses on riparian areas. We
have five restoration sites, all in riparian
settings. We are exploring other degraded
riparian areas for future projects.
Water planning in Arizona has focused
on humans’ need for water, largely
ignoring wildlife. One area of hope is the
current joint Tucson and Pima County
Water Infrastructure, Supply and
Planning Study. In an appearance before
the joint commission, and in a recent
letter, we have urged setting aside
groundwater, surface water and treated
wastewater for wildlife—water that cannot
be used by humans (see letter at
www.tucsonaudubon.org/conservation).
We urge you to join us in enjoying our
remaining riparian areas and in
advocating for enhanced protection and
restoration efforts. VF
Above right: Paige Creek in Happy Valley,
Rincon Mountains
Right: Enjoying a picnic lunch at French Joe
Canyon, Whetstone Mountains
11
 SPECIAL FEATURE | STATE OF THE BIRDS USA

A Dow Jones Index for

PAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCOTT WILBOR | IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST

In March of this year the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service and its partners released
The State of the Birds, United States of
America, 2009, the first comprehensive
report on bird populations in the United
States. It has two significant messages.
First, the study reveals that 251 of the
nation’s 800 bird species are endangered,
threatened, or in significant decline.
Second, it underscores the value of an
unprecedented partnership that includes
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state
wildlife agencies, and a group of non-
governmental organizas— with Audubon
as a significant partner—working as a
subcommittee of the U.S. North American
Bird Conservation Initiative (www.nabci-
us.org) . We encourage all Tucson
Audubon members to read the report and
NANCY BELL

see inspiring video footage at

www.stateofthebirds.org.
Citizen scientists collected the bulk of
the data for the report through taking part
in the North American Breeding Bird Above left to right: McCown’s Longspur; Lark Bunting
Survey of the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS), Audubon’s Christmas Bird
Count, combined with the USFWS-led special relevance to the Southwest. The as endangered or threatened. These
Waterfowl Breeding Population and bird population indicators (see graph) are species are especially vulnerable
Habitat Survey. The analysis represents like a ”Dow Jones Index” for the birds, because of their small ranges, restricted
the first integration of long-term results where population size for birds of a habitat requirements, or both.
(since 1968) across these particular habitat are set to zero in 1968. Furthermore, 76 percent of birds that nest
three important surveys, Relative increases and decreases can only in aridlands are declining.
using new statistical then be tracked against that benchmark. The major conservation threats to
techniques For the last 40 years in the United States aridland species are habitat loss from
developed by the greatest declines have been for birds urban development, habitat degradation
scientists at the of grasslands and aridlands. Forest birds from poor grazing practices, the spread of
USGS and at show smaller declines, while birds of invasive species, and a changing climate.
wetland habitats have shown significant Species of special concern
JOHN & KAREN HOLLINGSWORTH / USFWS

Audubon.
increases. include Elf Owl,
NSES/BY-SA /2.0

The report
has Of 83 aridland species, 39 percent are Bendire’s and
species of conservation concern, LeConte’s
including 10 federally listed
E
G/LIC
.OR
NS
MO
OM
C
VE
TI

A
DO RE
W.C
MIN W
IC SHE
RON Y•W

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009

 BIRD POPULATION INDICATORS
60
Wetlands Bird population

r Birds
40 Forests indicators based
on trends for

Percentage Change
Aridland
obligate species
20 Grassland in four major
habitats.
0

-20

-40
1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
Year

The July–August issue of the Vermilion widespread, intractable, and

Flycatcher will focus on some ways that expensive to solve. Even
birders can help landowners in Mexico today, the Southern Arizona
conserve lands for wildlife. Home Builders Association
The human population of the U.S. has is trying to remove

ALL HABITAT PHOTOS PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN

skyrocketed over the last 200 years from protections afforded to the
NANCY BELL

8 million to more than 300 million. As we Santa Cruz River and its
have harvested energy and food, grown tributaries (see p 18). Your
industries, and built cities, we have often support of Tucson Audubon
failed to consider the consequences to has never been so
Thrashers, Gilded Flicker, and Scaled nature. The State of the Birds and important. VF

Quail. Audubon’s Birds and Climate Change

Of 46 grassland-breeding birds, 48
percent are species of conservation
concern, and 55 percent are showing
significant decline, including Eastern and
Western Meadowlarks. Grassland species
that winter in our region and further south
that are in serious decline include
Mountain Plover, Sprague’s Pipit, Lark
report (see March–April issue of the
Vermilion Flycatcher, remind us that birds Below left to right: Le Conte’s
Thrasher, Western Meadowlark,
are indicators of the integrity of the natural
Scaled Quail, Gilded Flicker
systems that provide us with clean air and
water, fertile soils, and abundant wildlife.
While the greater part of the report is
sobering, there are signs of hope. Many
waterfowl species have shown great
EO

Bunting, Baird’s Sparrow, and Chestnut- recovery over the last 40 years, and
VIR

collared and McCown’s Longspurs. focused conservation efforts brought the

Conversion of grassland to agricultural Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon back
use is the main threat to these species. from the edge of extinction.
More than half of aridland birds are The big message from this report is
permanent residents of the U.S. that we need to
borderlands. Chihuahuan Desert redouble our efforts
grasslands in Mexico host a wide variety now before habitat
of U.S. breeding birds in winter where loss and
more than one-million acres have been degradation
converted to agriculture in the last five become even
years. Effective conservation requires more
close collaboration with the Mexican
government and private conservation
organizations.
GARY KRAMER / USDA

MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13

SPECIAL FEATURE | A RIPARIAN BIRD STUDY

Why Birds Need

Surface Water
Riparian woodlands CHRIS KIRKPATRICK
2

cover less than one

percent of our state’s Ask a local birdwatcher where to find the
greatest diversity of birds in southern
landmass but support Arizona and you’re likely to be directed to
about half of our the lush, tree-lined banks of the San Pedro
breeding bird species. River, Cienega Creek, or one of several
This important habitat other riparian woodlands in the region. In an
area that’s dominated by deserts and dry
is threatened by grasslands, riparian woodlands present a
increased ground lively contrast to the familiar landscape and
provide one of the few places where water, 1
water pumping that
vegetation, and birds are found in relative
has the potential to abundance. In fact, riparian woodlands
deplete flowing support approximately half of our breeding
surface water from bird species, despite covering less than one
local streams. percent of our state’s landmass. Riparian
woodlands also provide crucial stopover
University of Arizona habitats for dozens of species of long-
researchers are distance migrants during their spring and fall
leading a multi- migrations across the desert Southwest. A riparian woodland with abundant surface water at
partnered study to Aravaipa Creek
quantify the extent to Surface water and bird
streams and degrade or even eliminate
which flowing surface abundance stands of riparian vegetation. Given this
water affects the Water is the lifeblood that sustains the looming threat, researchers from Dr.
health of our ecologically-important riparian Courtney Conway’s lab at The University of
abundance and woodlands. Unfortunately, human demand Arizona’s School of Natural Resources have
diversity of riparian for limited water resources is only increasing been leading a multi-partnered study to
birds in southern as Arizona’s population grows and the state quantify the extent to which flowing surface
faces the prospect of continued long-term water affects the diversity and abundance of
Arizona. drought. Increased ground water pumping to riparian birds in southern Arizona.
meet this demand has the potential to Since 2006, researchers have surveyed
deplete flowing surface water from local birds, sampled vegetation, and measured
the presence and extent of surface water at
28 study sites located in riparian woodlands
throughout southeastern Arizona, including
both riparian woodlands with flowing surface
water and those with only sub-surface flows
(see photos 1–2). Researchers have also
sampled avian food resources (such as
ROBERT SHANTZ

aerial insects) at a subset of these study

sites each year. Data are still being
analyzed, but preliminary results indicate
that surface water in Arizona’s riparian
woodlands is positively associated with total
bird abundance and abundances of several

Common Yellowthroat
14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009
2

A riparian woodland along a dry stretch of Cienega Creek

UA researcher Scott Carey measures the extent of flowing surface water at Rincon Creek.
bird species, including well-known breeders
like Song Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat,
and Black Phoebe, and common migrants needed to examine the apparent link
like the Yellow-rumped Warbler. Importantly, between surface water, avian food AVAILABLE IN OUR
these results represent a unique effect of resources, and riparian bird abundance and NATURE SHOPS
surface water on these birds because the to determine if increased surface water Secret Knowledge
researchers were able to control for the conveys any additional benefits to Arizona’s of Water by Craig
effects of other important variables (volume riparian birds. Childs. A collection
of riparian vegetation, height of riparian Results from this University of Arizona of essays on the
trees, etc.) during their statistical analyses. study provide some of the first quantitative desert’s areas of
evidence that the presence and extent of abundant water.
Birds have preferences surface water can influence the abundance $14.99
of bird species within riparian woodlands in The Lessening
All things being equal, why might some
southern Arizona. Ultimately, these results Stream by Michael
birds prefer to inhabit riparian woodlands
should allow us to better predict how the Logan. An
with surface water over similar riparian
abundance and diversity of riparian birds will environmental
woodlands lacking surface water? One
be affected by future reductions in ground history of the Santa
possible explanation is that birds (such as
and surface water levels throughout the Cruz River. $24.95
Black Phoebe and Yellow-rumped Warbler)
region. Such predictions may also support
that feed at least in part upon aerial insects The Life of the
applications from various land-management
might benefit from foraging in areas that Santa Cruz
agencies to the state of Arizona to secure in-
have increased surface water because River—A
stream flow rights and help maintain flowing
these areas are often presumed to have a Rambler’s Guide
surface water in Arizona’s riparian
greater diversity and abundance of insects. by Western National
woodlands (see Guest Opinion on page 3).
Indeed, after sampling avian food resources Parks Assoc. A
Funding for this research project was
at several study sites, the Conway lab pocket-sized
provided by the Arizona Game and Fish
researchers found that the total abundance rambler’s guide for
Department, the Department of Defense, the
of aerial insects appeared to be greater in riparian ecosystems
National Park Service, and the U.S.
riparian woodlands with surface water of the Southwest.
Geological Service. VF

compared to riparian woodlands without $2.95

surface water. The researchers also found Riparian
that some aerial insects such as dragonflies, Chris Kirkpatrick is a Senior Research Specialist
Ecosystem
mayflies, and stoneflies were absent from in The University of Arizona’s School of Natural
Recovery in Arid
riparian woodlands lacking surface water. Resources. Since 2000, he has worked with
Lands by Mark K.
This finding is intuitive given that these Dr. Courtney Conway on a variety of research
Briggs. A discussion
insects require at least some surface water projects examining the ecology and conservation
on riparian ecosystem decline
to reproduce and develop during their initial of birds in southeastern Arizona.
and what to do about it.
aquatic life stages. Further research is $21.95

MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15

 WHERE TO GO, BIRDS TO SEE
Up, Down, All Around
RICK WRIGHT | WINGS BIRDING TOURS WORLDWIDE
The palo verdes looking like outsize
daffodils and Vermilion Flycatchers
performing their molten tennis ball
displays prove that spring has well and
truly arrived—and with it the first waves of
familiar migrants and breeders,
overlapping in sometimes startling ways
with lingering winter vagrants.
Tucson’s Short-tailed Hawk persisted
through late March. Mid-month saw
Zone-tailed, Gray, and Common Black-
Hawks streaming north; Tubac
bridgewatchers also scored a Crested
Caracara. Less expected was a Short-
eared Owl over Sweetwater. A rare
northbound Baird’s Sandpiper was on
the Santa Cruz in Tucson March 24, while
an adult Heermann’s Gull visited Parker
Canyon Lake.
The Douglas Blue Mockingbird
continued to delight; those weary of
waiting amused themselves with Ruddy
Ground-Doves. Patagonia’s Sinaloa
Wren remained, reclusive. Florida
Canyon’s Rufous-capped Warbler pair
was said to be showing nesting behavior.
Equally rare were a Yellow-throated
Warbler on the San Pedro and a
Kentucky Warbler in Florida Canyon. An
Ovenbird was in the Chiricahuas. A rare
wintering Red-faced Warbler was in the
Chiricahuas mid-February. Sweetwater’s
Black-throated Green Warbler was
present into February, while singles were
photographed in Portal and the
Huachucas. A male Hooded Warbler was
consorting with a Painted Redstart on
the upper San Pedro. Equally strange
tree-fellows were a Rufous-backed
RICK WRIGHT
Rio Magdalena at Terrenate
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MARCH–APRIL 2009
Robin and an Eastern Phoebe at
Muleshoe Preserve. Sweetwater’s
wintering Orchard Oriole continued
into late March.
Migration excitement continues into
early May, but the month’s second half
and June are the closest to a lean season
we have in southeast Arizona. Migration
trickles to a stop with the last-minute
arrivals of Yellow-billed Cuckoos and
Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, and as heat
rises, even the hardiest desert birds go
quiet.
But they’re still there. In the right
habitats, at the right time of day, the
American Southwest provides great
birding even at the excruciating height of
summer. Here in Tucson, that means an
early start—and the decision to go up or
to go south.
“Up” is self-explanatory. While the city
swelters and the desert bakes, life
continues in the Sky Island ranges.
Mountaintop forests are the place for
Grace’s, Red-faced, and Olive Warblers;
at a few sites in the Chiricahuas,
Huachucas, and Santa Ritas, Buff-
breasted Flycatchers plrrp cheerfully
among the pines. The incongruous
background to these tropical specialties is
provided by Brown Creepers, Pygmy
Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, and Red
Crossbills. The high Chiricahuas can turn
up Mexican Chickadee and Short-tailed
Hawk, while the Huachucas produce up
to ten hummingbird species.
Less intuitive than increasing altitude is
decreasing latitude. When the pavement
starts to bubble and the cacti start to
shrink, we head south, upstream—and
across the international border to Sonora.
They may not be much cooler, but
thanks to permanent water, places such
as the Anza Trail and the San Pedro
House remain birdy in the warmest
weather. Both are excellent for Gray
Hawk and Tropical Kingbird; Abert’s
Towhee and fallax Song Sparrow are
almost unmissable. Green Kingfisher,
scarce recently, is a remote possibility.
Other rarities might include Rose-throated
RICK WRIGHT
Green Kingfisher is a remote possibility in places
such as Anza Trail and San Pedro House but dart
reliably past Imuris, Mesa, and Terranate.
Becard and Streak-backed Oriole, both
casual breeders.
But drive 30 miles south, to the Rio
Magdalena between Imuris and San
Ignacio, and something changes. The
gallery forest looks not much different. But
suddenly, the “Mexican specialties” so
sought after in Arizona increase. Gray
Hawk and Tropical Kingbird become
characteristic voices, and Green
Kingfishers dart reliably past Imuris,
Mesa, and Terrenate. Violet-crowned
Hummingbirds flycatch over the water,
and the cottonwoods offer nesting sites
for becards and the occasional Streak-
backed Oriole. Black-capped
Gnatcatchers appear to be resident at
Terrenate. Ruddy Ground-Doves can be
among the Incas, and it’s only a matter of
time and increased attention until a
breeding pair of Sinaloa Wrens or Blue
Mockingbirds turns up.
This stretch of river has been known to
birders for a long time—it is indicated on
the maps, though not discussed in the
text, of Peter Alden’s 1969 Finding the
Birds in West Mexico. Thirty years ago,
Scott Terrill and WINGS Leader Gary
Rosenberg conducted revealing surveys
later published in Continental Birdlife.
Don’t let 2009 pass without visiting this
spectacular site, one where “our” rarities
aren’t quite so rare. VF
Rick Wright is Managing Director of
WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide,
birdaz@gmail.com, www.birdaz.com
 CONSERVATION & EDUCATION NEWS
CHRIS MCVIE, PAUL GREEN, KENDALL KROESEN, SCOTT WILBOR
Tumamoc Hill
PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN
A view of Tumamoc Hill from Sweetwater Wetlands
Resolution Copper Company revisited
Senate Bill 409: Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009
Many of you will recall that Tucson
Audubon has followed the continuing
attempts by Resolution Copper
Company (RCC) to achieve a federal
land exchange to greatly expand an old
copper mine, adjacent to Superior, into
the Oak Flat Campground, an area
protected from mineral extraction by a
proclamation of President Eisenhower.
(See www.tucsonaudubon.org/
conservation/resolution_exchange.htm
for more information.)
Now, Senators Kyl and McCain
have introduced legislation that is little
changed from previous versions, the
main difference being that the Apache
Nation has been promised protection
of the Apache Leap Mountain, east of
the town of Superior. This site, sacred
to the Apaches, is a dominant rock
ledge overlooking the town of Superior,
between the town and the mine site.
Tucson Audubon remains opposed
to the bill in its current form for the
same reasons we initially expressed in
2005: the bill does not adequately
address the need for RCC to comply
with all federal environmental laws,
specifically the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) and the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(1)), and it
is unclear to us if RCC has or could
acquire water rights sufficient for its
operation, what the impact of the
mining operation would be on local
area water supplies, and how they
would dispose of the wastewater
associated with the operation.
In our letter to Congress in 2008
we also expressed concerns
regarding the issues of royalties and
the effect of the proposed land
exchange on the future conservation
of the lower San Pedro River. To date,
our concerns have not been
addressed. Tucson Audubon remains
committed to the protection of the
Thanks to the concerted efforts of
many concerned citizens, the City
Council and the Board of
Supervisors, Pima County acquired
320 acres of State Trust land at
Tumamoc Hill at public auction in
Tucson February 23, using $2.35
million from a Growing Smarter state
grant and $2.35 million in cultural
resource bonds.
Tumamoc Hill has the oldest
documented continuously studied
plots of land in the world. These
studies may provide critical insights
into climate cycles and changes and
the adaptive mechanisms inherent in
the Sonoran Desert flora and fauna.
Aside from being a beautiful
place to hike or watch wildlife, this
area contains some of the most
significant pre-historic rock art in our
region and has profound cultural
significance for the native nations of
our region.
lower San Pedro River and its
associated water needs. The river
lands owned by BHP-Billiton, RCC’s
45% minority partner, could be a
crucial piece of this legislation. We
Tucson Audubon remains committed to the protection of the lower San Pedro
River and its associated water needs.
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
Pima County plans to preserve
the site from development in
perpetuity. Tumamoc Hill hosts The
University of Arizona Desert
Laboratory’s century-old research
plots that provide irreplaceable
information about the area’s climate
and ecology. The lab itself is not part
of the parcel that was sold to the
county. The university has a long-
term lease on that site. But the
320-acre parcel bordered by West
Anklam and North Greasewood
Roads includes some research plots.
The Carnegie Institution selected
Tumamoc Hill from a number of sites
across the West in 1903 as its Desert
Laboratory to study adaptations of
plants to aridity, when the human
population of Tucson numbered just
10,000. In 1956, the University of
Arizona bought the Desert Lab to
house the new department of
geochronology.
continue to advocate for federal
designation of the lower San Pedro
River as either a National Wildlife
Refuge or a Riparian National
Conservation Area.
TRAVIS FRANK / LIZSGROVE.COM
17
 CONSERVATION & EDUCATION
NEWS

Protected status of our Santa Cruz River

challenged by Southern Arizona Home
Builders Association
Homebuilders sue over Clean Water Act protections

A. FLESCH AND S. JACOBS

The Southern Arizona Home Builders
Association, the Home Builders
Association of Central Arizona and the
National Association of Home Builders
filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C.,
seeking an injunction against the
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (ACOE) over their decision
to designate the Santa Cruz River a
traditional navigable water (TNW) of
the United States. The well-researched
May 2008 determination by the ACOE
restored public health and safety
protections that had applied to the river
until a 2006 Supreme Court decision
created doubt about how to treat
ephemeral streams common in the
western United States.
Findings of the Congressional
Joint Committees on Transportation
and Infrastructure and Oversight and
Government Reform investigation into
the Bush administration’s handling of
Clean Water Act enforcement and
implementation post-Rapanos
demonstrate that the Bush
administration undermined the Clean
Water Act, including dropping or
lowering enforcement priorities for
ongoing Clean Water Act violations.
In addition, the findings
demonstrate that the Assistant
Secretary for the Army for Civil Works,
John Paul Woodley (a political
appointee), placed the interests of
corporate lobbyists for the
homebuilders over the scientific
determinations of career officials in
making Clean Water Act decisions
about the Santa Cruz River in Arizona,
when he withdrew the May 2008
determination for “review.” After a
lengthy review process, the EPA
upheld the ACOE determination of the
TNW status of the Santa Cruz River in
early December, 2008.
In late March, Senator Russ
Feingold (D-WI) reintroduced The
Clean Water Restoration Act (S 878).
This bill seeks to restore protections
for waterways that impact the drinking
water of more than 100 million
Americans, and would also ensure
protections for rivers, streams and
wetlands.
Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Future of Endangered Species Act (ESA)
On December 16, 2008, the Bush
administration issued final rules
rewriting one of the most important
protections provided by the ESA: the
Section 7 requirement that federal
agencies consult with federal wildlife
experts to utilize the best scientific
information evaluating agency
actions that could harm threatened
and endangered species.
Under the new rules, federal
agencies can now decide for
themselves whether consultation is
necessary, eliminating the important
safeguard of independent scientific
review by expert biologists at the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
or the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS). In Section 4(d) of
the ESA, they determined to ignore
climate change and greenhouse gas
emissions as a threat to our nation’s
wildlife, posing a serious threat to our
natural resources.
Congress passed a bill that gives
the Obama administration 60 days to
overturn the Bush administration’s
regulations that weakened the
Endangered Species Act and
eliminated essential protections for
America’s imperiled species. It
remains to be seen whether or not
Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar will
take the necessary critically important
steps to restore scientific integrity at
the Department of Interior. To date,
he has upheld the Bush
administration’s findings that the
northern Rocky Mountain population
of gray wolves is not endangered.

President Obama signs Omnibus Bill

On March 30th, President Obama signed H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act, which includes Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva’s bill
permanently establishing the National Landscape Conservation System,
including the Sonoran Desert Monument, the Ironwood Forest National
Monument and the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The bill will
protect and restore 26 million acres, including the most ecologically significant
lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and creates two
million new acres of wilderness across 9 states; establishes three new national
park units; designates 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers; designates a
PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN

Ironwood Forest National Monument, part of the National Landscape
Conservation System established by Congressman Grijalva’s bill that was
included in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act signed by President
National Monument and four National Conservation Areas; and recognizes new
Historic Sites and Heritage Areas.
The legislation includes two bills by Congresswoman Giffords establishing
the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail, in the Arizona National Scenic Trail Act, and
funding a critical watershed study of the San Pedro River. It also approves a $5-
million demonstration project involving federal compensation for livestock losses
to wolves, plus federal funding for non-lethal activities to reduce the risk of
livestock losses to wolves.VF

Obama on Marth 30, 2009. The bill will restore and protect 26 million acres.

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009

 TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPS
DARLENE SMYTH | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR
KENDALL KROESEN
Sweetwater Wetlands
MAY
May 2—Saturday 7 AM
Beginning Birdwatching at
Sweetwater Wetlands
This is a field trip for people who are new
to birding or are visitors from out of town
who may not be familiar with our local
birds and habitats. As we stroll along
mostly dirt paths, we will chat about
primary habitats, behaviors, and
identification of common birds of this
reclaimed water site. We’ll likely share our
walk with warblers, hawks, woodpeckers,
flycatchers, sparrows, grebes, ducks, rails
and shorebirds in this varied habitat.
RSVP to trip leader for current details.
Done by 10 AM. Local. Leader: Cynthia
Barstad cynthiabarstad@gmail.com
May 5—Tuesday 8:30 AM
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Only 15 fortunate people may join the
author of the upcoming book, A Field
Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies
of Arizona and Sonora, as he gently nets
these beautiful creatures and points out
identifying features before releasing them.
Be prepared to get your feet wet in the
San Pedro River east of San Manuel.
Contact the leader to reserve your place
and to learn the meeting location. Back by
2 PM. About 80 miles roundtrip.
Leader: Rich Bailowitz raberg2@q.com
May 9—Saturday 5:30 AM
Sonoita Creek Natural Area at
Patagonia Lake
Bill Adler, a state park volunteer, will be
along to enlighten us about the history
and geology of this rich riparian area as
we bird. We will start from the trailhead
just below Lake Patagonia and hike along
the riparian area below the dam for 3–4
miles roundtrip, making it essential that
you bring good hiking shoes, plenty of
water, hat and sun screen, and a snack or
small lunch. Limited participation—call the
leader to register beginning May 4. State
Park fee area. Leader: Norma Miller
n8urnut@q.com 578-1399
May 12—Tuesday 4:30 AM
Fort Huachuca
Birding on foot in some of the canyons on
Fort Huachuca. Because the Army limits
the number of participants on the trails,
this trip will be limited to 12 persons
(including the leader) in three high-
clearance vehicles. Contact the leader on
or after May 5 to reserve a place. All
participants must have a government-
issued picture ID, and each driver must
have driver’s license, car registration, and
proof-of-insurance. If you are not a U.S.
citizen, please let the leader know when
you make your reservation. Be prepared
to hike on rough, rocky trails that are steep
in places. Bring lunch. 160 miles round
trip. Leader: Jim Hays jhays@iname.com
(preferred) or 203-3489
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
For the latest or expanded field trip
information
visit www.tucsonaudubon.org
or call us at 629-0757
General Information
Tucson Audubon field trips are free. For
general information call field trip
coordinator Darlene Smyth 297-2315.
For specific information about a trip,
contact the leader of that trip.
Please dress appropriately for your
field trip. Always wear sturdy shoes, a
hat, and use sun protection. Bring
plenty of snacks and water for yourself.
Always bring your binoculars, field
guide, and for most trips a scope can
be useful. Bring money to cover your
share of the carpooling and any
required entry fees (eg for state parks).
Arrival Times
Please arrive before listed departure
times. Trips will leave promptly at the
time given.
Carpooling Sites
 NW Tucson: Ina and Via Ponte—
commuter parking lot one block
west of Oracle and Ina, south side
of Ina.
 Central Tucson: First Baptist Church
parking lot on west side of 5th Ave,
1½ blocks south of University Blvd.
Weekdays only.
 SW Tucson: I-19 and Irvington—
Fry’s parking lot.
 Green Valley: I-19 and Continental
Rd exit 63—McDonald’s parking lot.
 NE Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd/
Catalina Hwy—McDonald’s
parking lot.
Tucson Audubon strongly encourages
carpooling and for some trips it may be
required. Check the trip listings for
meeting/carpooling sites. You are
expected to reimburse the driver for the
actual cost of fuel. Drivers and trip
leaders are not expected to contribute.
Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at
798-1005. Report rare birds to the RBA
compiler at 798-1005 or
rarebirdalert@tucsonaudubon.org
After Your Field Trip
Don’t forget to stop in the Tucson
Audubon Nature Shop to check out
new books, see wonderful nature
items, and chat with volunteers.
19
 TUCSON AUDUBON May 31—Sunday 6AM
FIELD TRIPS Florida Canyon
The Rufous-capped Warblers in Florida
Canyon have delighted many birders over
the last few months. Our small group will
attempt to locate them and other breeding
birds of the Santa Ritas. Trip limited to 6
people, preferably those who haven’t
seen these birds yet. Contact leader after
May 2 to inquire about space and learn
the carpool location. Leader: Matt! Brooks
622-2230 mbrooks@tucsonaudubon.org
Blacklights
make looking for

KENDALL KROESEN
night critters, especially JUNE
scorpions, much easier and
more fun! Check out these
new items in our Nature June 2—Tuesday 5:30AM
Shops. • Blacklight flashlight Madera Canyon Miller Canyon and Hummingbirds
$20 • Blacklight We start with a hike up Miller Canyon
handheld light preserve on a day it is not normally looking for Sky Island specialties and a
$10
open to the public. Limited to 12 Mexican stray if we’re lucky (5 miles
birders. TNC donation required. After roundtrip). The trail is rough and steep in
VIREO

Elf Owl
May 16—Saturday 7 PM
Night Nature Walk
We’ll explore the world of the night
creatures, including Elf Owls and Great
Horned Owls with their young (plus
snakes, bats and other critters) at
Saguaro National Park (east) from7–9 PM.
Park entry fee (per carload). Trip limited
to 10 participants. Leader: Pinau Merlin
546-9409 pinaumerlin@hotmail.com
May 17—Sunday 6 AM
Santa Catalina Mountains
It’s Red-faced Warbler season and we’ll
make a special effort
to see them in this
TOM VEZO
spending about two hours at the parts, but we will maintain a
preserve, we’ll spend some time birding leisurely pace. Later we stop at the
the Patons’ yard before ending the trip. Beattys’ and Ash Canyon B&B to check
About 90 miles roundtrip. Leader: Robin the hummingbird feeders. Please bring
Baxter baxterrobin@hotmail.com small cash donations to maintain these
feeders. Bring lunch. Limited to 11 birders
May 24—Sunday 5 AM in three vehicles, so please sign up with
Madera Canyon and Vicinity the leader beginning May 18. 180 miles
An early start will give us time to poke roundtrip. Leader: Philip Kline pgkline_uk
around several places before it gets too @yahoo.com (preferred) or 419-5086
hot to bird. Note: We will not visit Florida
Canyon for Rufous-capped Warblers. June 6—Saturday 8:30 AM
Back in Tucson by lunch time. Meet at the Hummingbirds and More at
Fry’s at Irvington and I-19 at 5 AM or at the Madera Canyon’s Chuparosa Inn
Green Valley McDonald’s at 5:30 AM. We’ve graciously been granted non-guest
USFS fee area. About 80 miles roundtrip access to this location during the height of
from Tucson. Leader: Darlene Smyth 297- hummingbird season, for comfortable
2315 dsmyth3@comcast.net birding from the patio. “Chuparosa” is

trip up into the Santa Spanish for hummingbird, and this prime
Catalina Mountains May 26—Tuesday 5:30 AM location lives up to its name, with more
(USFS fee area). Sycamore Canyon than a dozen different species having
Rose Canyon will be Rugged Sycamore Canyon is legendary visited the site over the years. We can
favored (extra fee among birders for the rarities it has also expect juncos, tanagers, orioles,
required) but we’ll stop a few harbored over the years, as well as for its nuthatches, flycatchers, warblers and, if
times both up and down the range for steep, difficult terrain. We’ll bird the we’re lucky, perhaps an Elegant Trogon or
the specialties of the region. Meet at canyon for a round-trip hiking distance of Arizona Woodpecker. Back by noon. Limit
McDonald’s at Tanque Verde and Catalina about 2.5 hot miles, over very uneven 10 people. Please contact leader starting
Highway at 6AM. Bring food. We’ll try to be terrain and wet stream crossings. We will June 1. 80 miles round trip.
back by 1 PM. 50 miles roundtrip. Leader: encounter species typical of oak-juniper Leader: Cynthia Barstad
Clifford A. Cathers 762-3201 and riparian habitats, and some migrant cynthiabarstad@gmail.com
AZCliffy@q.com birds. Meet at the Green Valley
McDonald’s parking lot at 5:30 AM. June 9—Tuesday 4:20AM
May 19—Tuesday 6 A M Roundtrip from Tucson 160 miles. Ash/Paige Canyon
The Nature Conservancy– Contact the leader to sign up. In these infrequently birded canyons of
Patagonia Preserve Leader: Ethan Beasley 300–0049 the Rincon Mountains, we could see
Contact the leader to register for this trip ethanbeasley@yahoo.com riparian species such as Brown-crested
that will spend about two hours at the Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Gray Hawk,

20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009

and Zone-tailed Hawk. In the oak zone
Western Scrub-Jay is a good possibility.
Consider bringing close-focusing
binoculars in case we see butterflies. We
will head back after an early lunch.
Contact the leader starting on May 28 for
details and to register for this trip which is
limited to 15. About 100 miles roundtrip.
Leader: Rich Hoyer 325-5310
calliope@theriver.com
June 13—Saturday 5:30 AM
Huachuca Hummingbird Madness!
It’s too hot to walk, so today we’ll enjoy
the jewels of the Southwest while sitting
comfortably in the shade. We’ll visit three
of the nation’s hottest hummingbird sites:
Mary Jo Ballator’s Ash Canyon B&B, Tom
Beatty’s Miller Canyon Guest Ranch &
Orchard and The Nature Conservancy’s
Ramsey Canyon Preserve, all in the
Huachuca Mountains near Sierra Vista. A
fee will be required at all three locations.
Trip limited to 15 registered participants/4
vehicles. About 140 miles roundtrip.
Leader: Clifford A. Cathers 762-3201
AZCliffy@q.com
June 16—Tuesday 6AM
Arivaca Cienega
A variety of habitats in a relatively small
area makes Arivaca Cienega ideal for a
leisurely summer morning’s birding.
Local-breeding species such as Varied
Bunting, Thick-billed Kingbird and Tropical
Kingbird will be our main avian targets,
but we’ll also have time to try to sort out
the plants, butterflies, dragonflies and
other wildlife we come across. Meet at
Fry’s on Irvington and I-19 at 6AM (leader
not present) or at McDonald’s in Green
Valley at 6:30 AM. 90 miles round trip.
Leader: Michael Marsden 269-6240
birdanza@cox.net
Arivaca Cienaga
DON’T FORGET TO STOP IN OUR NATURE SHOP FOR YOUR FIELD AND ID GUIDES.
inspection of the habitat should produce
some good looks at local residents, and
with luck we may find one of
Sweetwater’s treasures before the heat of
the day sends us away. Leader: Darlene
Smyth 297-2315 dsmyth3@comcast.net
MATT GRIFFITHS
Fort Huachuca
June 20—Saturday 5 AM
Garden Canyon, Ft. Huachuca
Including Scheelite and Sawmill Canyons.
Be prepared for fairly steep 1.5 mile
roundtrip hike in Scheelite. High
clearance vehicles preferred, but not
necessary. Beat the desert heat while
seeking Spotted Owl, Elegant Trogon,
and Buff-breasted Flycatcher! Call or
email leader on or after June 1 to register.
Limit 12 people due to Fort logistics. Fort
allows only U.S. citizens on base. 130
miles roundtrip. Leader: John Yerger 495–
0229 jyerger24@yahoo.com
June 23—Tuesday, 6AM
Mt. Lemmon Roundup
We’ll sample various elevations of the
Catalinas, keeping to the upper sites as
the day warms up. Mostly short, easy
walking, not far from the cars. We’ll have
lunch at one of the picnic areas. Bring
your Mt. Lemmon pass if you’ve got one.
Meet at the McDonald’s parking lot at
Tanque Verde Road and Catalina
Highway. Back by 3 PM. 50 miles
roundtrip. Leader: Larry Liese 743-3520
larryliese@prodigy.net
June 27—Saturday 5AM
Mt. Lemmon
Meet at the shopping center at the NE
corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina
Highway at 6AM. Bring lunch. We’ll bird
our way up from Mexican birds at the
bottom to Canadian birds at the top.
USFS fee area. Back by 2 PM. 50 miles
roundtrip. Leader: Bob Bates 296-5629
batesr@u.arizona.edu
June 30—Tuesday 5:30 AM
Sweetwater Wetlands
This area offers shade and water to birds
at a time of the year when both are rare
commodities. An early morning gathering
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
at the parking lot and a subsequent
VF
PIMA COUNTY GUIDED WALKS
For more information about walks organized by
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and
Recreation Environmental Education Events ,
contact 615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov.
Mt. Lemmon Bird Walk. Call for meeting
location. May 15, 8:30–10:30 AM. Stroll less than
a mile along a nature trail and Look for birds in
the cool forest around Summerhaven. For begin-
ning/intermediate birders. Reservations required.
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P. Drachman
Agua Caliente Park. 12325 E. Roger Rd. Every
Tuesday, 8–9:30 AM in May, 7:30–9 AM in June.
Spot wetland birds, hummingbirds, songbirds,
raptors among mesquites and palm trees. For
beginners/families. Binoculars available. Meet at
the Ranch House. Reservations not required.
TUCSON AREA BIRDING
Catalina State Park. Bird walks led by Denis
Wright on Fridays, 7:30–10 AM at the first picnic
area. Time will change in 30-minute increments
as weather/light conditions require. Open daily
5 AM–10 PM. Fee. Call 628-5798 for information.
Sabino Canyon. Birding and nature hikes.
Parking fee. Call 749-8700.
Saguaro National Park. Call 733-5153 (East)
or 733-5158 (West) for scheduled bird walks.
Tohono Chul Park. Birding walks at 8:30 AM.
Monday, Wednesday & Saturday. Open 8 AM–
5 PM daily. Entrance fee. Call 742-6455.
Tucson Botanical Gardens. Open 8:30 AM.–
4:30 PM. Entrance fee. Call 326-9686.
OTHER AREAS
Arizona State Parks. Birding and other walks;
www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. Call 602-542-4174.
Buenos Aires NWR. The refuge is open 24
hours a day, and visitor center open 7:30 AM–
4 PM seven days a week. Call 823-4251.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Open 8 AM–
5 PM. daily (last admissions 1 hour before
closing). Call 689-2811. Visit ag.arizona.edu/
BTA/ events/ birdwalks.html for bird sightings.
Ramsey Canyon. Open every day 8 AM–5 PM.
Fee. Call 378-2785.
Southern Arizona Bird Observatory. Tours of
birding sites available. Fee. Call 432-1388 or
visit www.sabo.org.
21
 THE TAS-IFIEDS
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Andean Condor, Giant Conebill, Hydrotherapy spas, Bike rentals, Eco-
an increasing trend. More and more companies are adopting
Sword-billed Hummer, Mystery Owl. Excursions. WOWArizona.com.
Dates, prices contact Moez Ali 520.825.4590. VF environmentally sustainable business practices. And many are
moezali15@hotmail.com 820-3499. developing new technologies focused on global warming,
alternative energy, organic living and a cleaner environment.
At UBS, we work with investors to help them build investment
portfolios that consider their social and environmental values
while keeping long-term financial goals in mind.

To learn more about investing in these leading-edge companies,

FABULOUS FLAGSTAFF—COOLING IT AT 7000 FEET please join us at our seminar.
Friday July 3–Sunday July 5, 2009
$535 Per Person Double; $635 Per Person Single
From the luxurious Radisson Woodlands Hotel, we’ll visit the 76th Annual Hopi Date Wednesday, May 13 or
Festival of Arts and Culture on the MNA campus, Riordan Mansion State Park,
Meteor Crater, Waputki Pueblo and Sunset Crater National Monuments, Sinagua Culture Thursday, May 21
rock art carvings at V-Bar-V Site, laser fireworks, and other attractions
Tour fee includes transportation by van, lodging, Arizona wine tasting, all entrance fees
TyrannoTours King of Southwest Adventures Tucson Time 5:50 – 6:30 p.m.
E-mail: tyrannotours@comcast.net Phone: 520-577-6546 www.tyrannotours.com

Location UBS Financial Services Inc.

5285 East Williams Circle, Suite 5500
Go Birding in Panama! Tucson, AZ 85711

With Tucson Audubon and WINGS

November 13–21, 2009 • Stay in Canopy Tower Host Alexander D. McCrohan
Leader Gavin Bieber, with Kendall Kroesen Vice President–Investments
Contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrison@tucsonaudubon.org Wealth Advisor
Advisory & Brokerage Services

RSVP Alexander D. McCrohan

520-748-3658
alexander.mccrohan@ubs.com

www.ubs.com/financialservicesinc
ALL PHOTOS PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN

Private Wealth Management is a business unit within UBS Financial Services Inc. UBS Financial
Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. ©2009 UBS Financial Services Inc. All rights reserved.
Wealth management services in the U.S. are provided by UBS Financial Services Inc., a registered
broker-dealer offering securities, trading, brokerage, and related products and services. Member SIPC.
Member FINRA. 7.00_Ad_4x10_YD0209_BulJ

Advertise in the Vermilion Flycatcher

Individual members and members of our Birds & Business Alliance can advertise in the Vermilion Flycatcher. Classified and display ads accepted.
For a rate sheet, contact Chris Harrison at 629-0757 or charrison@tucsonaudubon.org or visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/verfly/index.htm

22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009


BIRDING TRAVEL
FROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY
www.adventurebirding.com
info@adventurebirding.com; 495-0229
San Blas: Mangrove Estuaries, Coffee Fincas,
Palm Forests and More. Dec 12–20, 2009, $1990.
Leader: Keith Kamper. The coastal fishing village of
San Blas is one of the premier birding destinations
in Mexico. We’ll visit mangrove estuaries, coffee
fincas, beaches and coastal lagoons. 25 Mexican
endemics possible including San Blas Jays,
Rufous-necked Wood-rail, Cinnamon Hummingbird
and Golden Vireo. Jungle boat tour with oddities like
Boat-billed Heron and Northern Potoo, even
iguanas and crocodiles! We will be based at one
motel throughout; so we can unpack, unwind and
enjoy the region’s natural and cultural history, fresh
mariscos and green flash sunsets.
South Texas: Specialties and Migrants in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley. April 3–11, 2010,
$1890. Leaders: John Yerger and/or Jake
Mohlmann. 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!
NATURALIST JOURNEYS
www.naturalistjourneys.com
Toll-free: (866) 900–1146 or 558-1146;
info@naturalistjourneys.com
Birding the Blue Ridge Mountains. June 8–14.
Join us to explore quintessential Appalachia:
ancient mountains and thick forests threaded with
streams, rivers and waterfalls. The Blue Ridge
Parkway, with elevations ranging from 875 to over
6,000 feet, provides important habitat for a diverse
array of plants and animals. Enjoy lovely mountain
lodges and great dining as we sample local
cuisine. We’re likely to see colorful species such as
Eastern Bluebirds, Pileated Woodpeckers, Rose-
breasted Grosbeaks, Orchard Orioles, Wood
Ducks and Indigo Buntings. With luck and some
persistence we should find the elusive Cerulean
Warbler. Wezil Walraven will guide this year’s
journey. Single Supplement $445.
Grand Yellowstone. June 13–25, 2009 (one-week
tour also available). Join us for an in-depth journey
to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. June is
peak time for bird activity, the region’s mammals
are rearing young, and wildflowers abound! We
start our tour in Billings where local guide Helen
Carlson leads us to specialty birds of the prairie
including Longspurs. Then we travel over
Beartooth Plateau in search of Black Rosy Finches
and more. In Yellowstone we visit Old Faithful and
other spectacular geysers. Birds we should
Tucson Audubon thanks
our Birds & Business
Alliance Members, who
have shown their support
for bird conservation
through annual
contributions and in-kind
donations. Please show
them you appreciate their support for us by
supporting them. Please choose these progressive
GARY KRAMER / USFWS
companies when you need a service.
STERLING
Adventure Birding Company • 520-495-0229
• www.adventurebirding.com
Gray Wolf Borderland Tours • 1-800-525-7753
• www.borderland-tours.com
encounter include Barrow’s Goldeneyes, American Naturalist Journeys • 1-866-900-1146
Dippers, Townsend’s Solitaires, Mountain • www.naturalistjourneys.com
Bluebirds, Clark’s Nutcrackers, Red-naped and
Williamson’s Sapsuckers, and other species. Past RockJumper Birding Tours • www.rockjumper.co.za
mammal sightings include beavers, elk, bison, Tropical Birding • 1-800-348-5941
moose, pronghorn river otter and bighorn sheep, • www.tropicalbirding.com
both grizzly and black bears, and gray wolves. TyrannoTours • 520-577-6546
This is the best trip we run outside Africa for seeing • www.tyrannotours.com
large mammals! $3295.00 from Billings ($1495 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
short trip option). $750 single supplement ($495 • 1-800-328-VENT • www.ventbirds.com
short trip option). WINGS • 1-888-293-6443 • www.wingsbirds.com
ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURS
SILVER
www.rockjumper.co.za
info@rockjumper.co.za or The Oasis at Way Out West • 520-825-4590
• www.wowarizona.com
rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com
Snell & Wilmer • www.swlaw.com
Antarctica—The Falkland Islands, South
Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Nov 3–22 Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com
(20 days) and Dec 15–Jan 5 (22 days).
Rockjumper is proud to offer these voyages of a COPPER
lifetime! On these journeys with us you will take in Bed & Bagels of Tucson • 520-760-5595
the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the *Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868
dramatic Antarctica Peninsula. During our
Buffalo Exchange • 520-795-0508
exploration of this pristine wilderness we will see
spectacular vistas, beautiful icebergs and the Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM
planet’s greatest concentrations of marine wildlife. • 1-877-577-2275
Eight species of penguin are possible including The Coyote Wore Sideburns • 520-623-7341
nesting colonies of King Penguin. Wandering Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441
Albatross, orca and leopard seal, may be seen
Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408
while sea-birding across the Drake Passage and
rugged sub-Antarctic islands. We would be thrilled Economy Birding Service • 520-762-3201
to have the chance to share the splendors of the Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677
Antarctic with you! Cabins range from $9,750 pp to Galeria La Sirena • 520-319-1262
$14,535 ss. *Greenfire Ecological Landscaping • 520-429-7306
Brazil—Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal. Heartstone Mountain Ranch • 1-877-562-2955
Sept 1–13 (13 days) and Atlantic Forest Extension:
Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341
Sept 13–19 (7 days). Brazil is a dream destination
for any naturalist and especially so for birders. Daniel McQuestion, Artist
During this tour we explore the celebrated Pantanal P2 Preparedness • 520-971-5971
and the verdant Amazon rainforest. Potential Lori Pascarella, Financial Consultant • 520-747-6167
highlights on this tour include Hyacinth Macaw,
Rancho De La Osa • 1-800-872-6240
Helmeted Manakin, Spangled Cotinga and ever
lethargic sloths, maybe even the elusive jaguar. Riverpark Inn • 1-800-551-1466
For those wishing to maximize their time, the Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121
extension to Intervales State Park offers amazing VIP Taxi • 520-798-1111
highlights like Swallow-tailed Cotinga and Long-
Wild Birds Unlimited • 520-878-9585
trained Nightjar among many others! Join us for an
unbeatable tour to one of the world’s most For more information about our Birds & Business
Alliance members, including links to their websites,
incredible wildlife destinations! Main tour—
US$4,450 pp, US$320 ss and extension— visit www.tucsonaudubon.org
US$1,995 pp, US$170 ss. *New member
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23

BIRDING TRAVEL
FROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS
TYRANNOTOURS—
KING OF SOUTHWEST ADVENTURES
www.tyrannotours.com
577-6546; tyrannotours@comcast.net
The Canyon—North Rim Grandeur. June 17–21,
2009. $895/person double; $995 single. We’ll base
in charming western cabins at majestic Grand
Canyon Lodge. Scenic sunrises and sunsets, rim-
top mule ride, ranger talks, Grand Canyon cookout,
Pipe Spring NM, Lee’s Ferry, Navajo Bridge,
Cameron Trading Post. Maybe Toroweep.
Jerome Jaunt. July 24–26, 2009. $595 per person
double; $695 single. Lodging at Jerome Grand
Hotel, VCRR Grape Escape wine & food sunset
train excursion in First Class, Gold King Mine,
museums, fun, shopping, Out of Africa Wildlife
Park in Camp Verde.
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC.
www.ventbird.com
tantalizing mix of warblers and flycatchers, steppe
and fields are dotted with larks and buntings, lakes
and the Black Sea host waterfowl and shorebirds,
and skies are filled with raptors and storks. Whether
it’s the sheer numbers of migrants or an exciting
vagrant from farther east, few experiences can
match the thrill of migration in action.
Panama with Tucson Audubon Society.
November 13–-21, 2009, about $4,100. Leaders:
Gavin Bieber and Kendall Kroesen. This
collaborative tour, the first in Tucson Audubon’s
revived International Tour Program, takes place in
this exciting region’s drier season, when resident
species are joined by migrants from North America,
creating a rich constellation of tropical and boreal
birds. We’ll be based in the acclaimed Canopy
Tower and the newly built Canopy Lodge, from
which we’ll explore such remarkable birding sites
as Pipeline Road—arguably the best birding in
Central America—and the Talamancan Foothills.
Highlights from Gavin Bieber’s most recent tour
male Blue Cotinga; 19 species of hummingbird
including White-tipped Sicklebill and Veraguan
Mango; and tanagers including Rufous-winged,
Bay-headed, Silver-throated, Crimson-backed,
Emerald, Golden-hooded, and Flame-rumped. We
can look forward to similarly exciting birds against
a background of wonderfully varied landscapes,
superlative fresh food, and great camaraderie.
The Galápagos Islands: A WINGS Charter.
November 12–21, 2010, price not yet available.
Leader: Rich Hoyer. With the 200th anniversary of
the birth of Charles Darwin, the 150th of the first
edition of Origin of Species—interest in the
Galápagos is at an all-time high. WINGS has
chartered one of the most luxurious small boats
operating in the islands for all-round natural history
exploration of the Galápagos. In addition to nearly
all the endemic birds (among them a couple of
gulls, 13 finches, a flycatcher, four mockingbirds, a
dove, a penguin, a cormorant, a rail, and a martin),
we’ll also spend time with the seabirds, sea lions,
and marine iguanas, as well as the many other
endemics. We’ll have almost daily opportunities for
snorkeling among the colorful fish and sea
turtles.VF

(800) 328-8368 • victor@ventbird.com here include a Tiny Hawk on a nest; a stunning

Washington: Pacific NW Introductory Tour. July
18–22, 2009, $1,425 in double occupancy from
Seattle. With outstanding birding and spectacular
visual scenery to match, few places in the country
can match Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. This
short tour provides familiarity with the unique
birdlife and ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest
while focusing on the basics of birding. Travel from
the Olympic Mountains through old-growth forests
to the shores of Puget Sound in search of
waterfowl, alcids, shorebirds, songbirds, and more.
Learn the basics of using binoculars and field
guides and discover techniques to becoming a
better birder. Bob Sundstrom leads.

ALL PHOTOS DOMINIC SHERONY • WWW.CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-SA/2.0

Autumn Grand Manan. August 31–September 6,
2009, $2,955 in double occupancy from Bangor,
ME. Grand Manan Island off New Brunswick,
Canada, is an ideal base for experiencing fall
migration in the northeast. Migrant landbirds
pouring through the woods include 20+ species of
warblers, flycatchers, vireos, sparrows, and
finches. The coastal marshes and nearshore
waters are filled with eiders, cormorants,
shorebirds, and gulls. We will take boat trips in the
Bay of Fundy to search for Razorbill; Atlantic
Puffin; Manx, and Greater Shearwaters; Leach's
Storm-Petrel; Northern Gannet, and more. Whale
watching is superb as well, with the opportunity to
see endangered North Atlantic right whales. Barry
Zimmer and Brennan Mulrooney lead.
WINGS
wingsbirds.com • wingsbirds.com/blog
wings@wingsbirds.com; 320-9868
Bulgaria in Autumn. September 5–12, 2009, about
$2,410. Leader: James Lidster. On the western side
of the Black Sea, Bulgaria has witnessed the
annual pageant of migrants streaming south for
centuries. Our tour uses two bases to explore a Some species on the Panama Canopy Tower bird list (clockwise from top left): Keel-billed Toucan, Voilet-
variety of habitats. Woodland and scrub shelter a crowned Woodnymph, Violaceous Trogon, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Bananaquit, Buff-throated Saltator

24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009

 JOIN
Support
Support Tucson
TucsonAudubon...
Audubon...
Become
Become aa Friend
Friend Today!
Today!
Birds & Business Alliance MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
$30/year—
$30/year—Individual
Individual
TODAY! and connect with the $20/year—
$20/year—Student
$45/year—
Student
$45/year—Family
Family
Tucson Audubon community $20
$20/year—
/year—Senior
Senior (62+)
(62+)

For more information and to join, contact Chris Harrison

USFWS

at charrison@tucsonaudubon.org or 629-0757. Name

Name

Address
Address

City
City//State
State//Zip
Zip

Email
Email

Phone
Phone
Birds & Business Alliance members help
New
New membership
membership
Tucson Audubon in many ways Renewing
Renewingmembership
membership
Please
Please email
email me me about
about Tucson
TucsonAudubon
Audubon
The Coyote Wore Sideburns, a hair salon on Thunder Canyon Brewery is providing us
events
events and
and conservation
conservation issues. issues.
4th Avenue, offered haircuts to those in need on with liquid refreshments for the Ironwood Jam on
Please
Please do
do not
not share
share my my contact
contact
Sunday March 22 on the last day of the spring 4th April 25.
information.
information.
Avenue Street Fair. The salon raised $975 for In August, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
Please
Please do
do not
not mailmail me
me Vermilion
Vermilion
Tucson Audubon on that day. will be providing accommodation for Kenn Flycatcher.
Flycatcher. I’ll
I’ll read
read itit online.
online.
The Oasis at Way Out West has committed Kaufman’s stay in August (see page 28 for more
to donating 5% of any reservation which comes in details of his visit). DONATION
DONATION
through Tucson Audubon. The following B&BA members helped to II would
would like
like toto support
support Tucson
TucsonAudubon
Audubon
Adventure Birding Company will be support our 60th anniversary gala through Society
Society with
with an an additional
additional contribution
contribution ofof
donating their expert birding services for several donations and prizes for our silent auction: $25
$25 $50 $50 $100 $100 $$250.250.
TAS events, including Birdathon. Kimberlyn Drew, Fiore Tile Works, Galeria La Tucson
TucsonAudubon
Audubon Frequent
Frequent Flyer
Flyer Monthly
Monthly
Tucson Audubon and WINGS have teamed up Sirena, Lori Pascarella, Snell & Wilmer, Donor
Donor Program:
Program: II authorize
authorize the
the charge
charge ofof
to bring back our international travel program, Tucson Electric Power.
$____
$____ per
per month
month for for ____
____ months
months toto my
my
credit
credit card
card ($10/month
($10/month minimum).
minimum).
beginning with the November 2009 trip to Thank you to all of our Birds & Business Tucson
TucsonAudubon
AudubonSociety
Societywill
willuse
usethe
thefull
fullamount
amountofofyour
yourtax-
tax-deductible
deductible
Panama. WINGS leaders have also helped with Alliance members for their support. gift
giftfor
foritsitsenvironmental,
environmental,educational
educationaland
andrecreational
recreationalprograms.
programs.

several other events. METHOD

METHOD OF OF PAYMENT
PAYMENT
Check
Check (payable
(payabletotoTucson
TucsonAudubon
AudubonSociety)
Society)
MasterCard
MasterCard Visa Visa AMEX
AMEX
MAKE GIVING TO TUCSON AUDUBON EASIER ON YOUR WALLET
Did you know that Tucson Audubon Society offers automatically from your checking, savings or credit Credit
CreditCard
CardNo.
No.
you a way to donate money throughout the year card account. It saves time! It saves work! It
instead of in one lump sum? We call it the simplifies your life! You can avoid the hassle of Expiration
ExpirationDate
Date Amount
Amount$$
Frequent Flyer program, and it might just be the writing and mailing checks. Once you authorize the
easiest way that you can support Tucson Audubon. transfer, your specified donation is electronically
Signature
Signature
We realize in these tough economic times that deducted directly from your bank account or
donating $500 or even $100 can be a big strain on charged to your credit card each month, and then Please
Pleasesend
sendyour
yourapplication
applicationwith
withpayment
paymenttoto
the wallet. But what about donating just $10 a transferred to Tucson Audubon’s account. Tucson
TucsonAudubon
AudubonSociety,
Society,
month? For many of us that is much more manage- Your tax-deductible donation will help Tucson 300
300E.E.University
UniversityBlvd,
Blvd,#120,
#120,
able and it adds up to $120 per year! What about Audubon continue to offer conservation, education Tucson,
Tucson,AZAZ85705
85705
$41.66 per month? That’s $500 per year! A sub- and recreation in Southeastern Arizona. For more (Attn:
(Attn:Jean
JeanBarchman,
Barchman,
stantial donation, but at a reasonable monthly cost. information or to start giving contact Jean Membership
MembershipCoordinator)
Coordinator)
Our Frequent Flyer program is a direct-debit Barchman at 622-5622 or at OR
ORjoin,
join,renew
reneworordonate
donateonline
onlineatat
program whereby your contribution is debited jbarchman@tucsonaudubon.org. VF www.tucsonaudubon.org
www.tucsonaudubon.org

MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25

 Government Contact List TUCSON AUDUBON
Tucson
NATURE SHOPS
Mayor Bob Walkup
520-791-4201, fax 520-791-5348
mcweb@tucsonaz.gov
Tucson Audubon’s Nature Shops provide for your needs in natural history books and
City Council
guides, birding optics and accessories, and gifts right here in Tucson. We offer a great
www.tucsonaz.gov/mcc.html selection, the best prices, and member discounts. Remember to shop locally.
Pima County
Sup. Ann Day, R, District 1, 740-2738 Help promote Tucson Audubon Society. Visit one of our
Sup. Ramón Valadez, D, District 2, 740-8126
Sup. Sharon Bronson, D, District 3, 740-8051 Nature Shops to pick up your new logo items!
Sup. Ray Carroll, R, District 4, 740-8094
Sup. Richard Elias, D, District 5, 740-8126 You can show off your support in a variety of ways:
State of Arizona
District details at www.az.gov/app/govinfo Cap
Full contact details at www.azleg.gov/memberroster.asp The shops offer two styles of
Governor Jan Brewer’s Office 800-253-0883 organic cotton caps. Keep the
www.azgovernor.gov/
sun out of your eyes while looking
Az House 800-352-8404, fax 602-542-4511
Az Senate 800-352-8404, fax 602-542-3429 at the birds, and show your TUCSON AUDUBON
www.azleg.state.az.us support for Tucson Audubon at the
District 23: Reps. Barbara McGuire, D; Frank Pratt, R; same time. Choose from two colors,
NATURE SHOPS
Sen. Rebecca Rios, D
stone/khaki or olive. $15 – $17
District 25: Reps. Patricia Fleming, D; David Stevens, R; SHOP HOURS
Sen. Manuel V. “Manny” Alvarez, D
Car magnet Main Shop
District 26: Reps. Vic Williams, R; Nancy Young Wright, D;
Sen. Al Melvin, R A simple car magnet is an easy way to Monday–Saturday 10 AM–4 PM, except
District 27: Reps. Olivia Cajero Bedford, D; Phil Lopes, D; show your support for Tucson Audubon. It Monday & Thursday until 5 PM
Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia, D will fit on most car doors and you won’t
District 28: Reps. David Bradley, D; Steve Farley, D; Located on the southeast corner of
have to worry about any sticky residue.
Sen. Paula Aboud, D University Blvd. and 5th Avenue.
It’s easy to apply, and looks so great you’ll
District 29: Reps. Matt Heinz, D; Daniel Patterson, D;
never want to remove it. What a great and
Sen. Linda Lopez, D
inexpensive gift for a friend, too! Size: 4” x
Agua Caliente
District 30: Reps. David Gowan, R; Frank Antenori, R;
Sen. Jonathan Paton, R 13”. $8.95 Park Shop
May and June
Federal Water bottle
President Barack Obama
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 9 AM–3:30 PM
202-456-1111, www.whitehouse.gov Don’t forget the water! Show you care Phone: 760-7881
U.S. Senate website: www.senate.gov about conserving habitat for birds with Directions: From Tanque Verde Rd. and
House of Rep. website: www.house.gov this reusable, stainless steel water bottle.
Library of Congress: thomas.loc.gov Houghton, continue east on Tanque
24 oz. You can choose your color in either Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto
Senator John McCain
202-224-2235, fax 202-228-2862 stainless or white. $21.95 Soldier Trail, continue north for 2 miles.
Tucson 670-6334, fax 670-6637
www.mccain.senate.gov T-shirt Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd.,
Senator Jon Kyl Organic cotton T-shirts are the way to go. continue ¼ mile to the park entrance
202-224-4521, fax 202-224-2207
Who says you can’t bird-watch in comfort on the left (north) side of the road.
Tucson 575-8633, fax 797-3232
www.kyl.senate.gov and style? These T-shirts come in two
TUESDAY BIRD WALK
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (Dist. 1) different colors: stone/khaki or heather
202-225-2315; www.kirkpatrick.house.gov green. $20 – $22 VF
Agua Caliente Park
Rep. Trent Franks (Dist. 2)
Tuesday: May 8 AM, June 7:30 AM
List provided by the Arizona League of Conservation Voters

202-225-4576; www.house.gov/franks
Rep. John B. Shadegg (Dist. 3) Loaner binoculars available. Meet in
202-225-3361, fax 202-225-3462; front of the ranch house. For more
www.johnshadegg.house.gov information, call Pima County Parks &
Rep. Ed Pastor (Dist. 4)
Recreation at 877-6111.
202-225-4065, fax 202-225-1655;
www.house.gov/pastor For permit requests and general
Rep. Harry Mitchell (Dist. 5) information about park rules and
202-225-2190, fax 202-225–3263;
www.mitchell.house.gov regulations, call 749-3718
Rep. Jeff Flake (Dist. 6)
202-225-2635, fax 202-226-4386; VOLUNTEER
www.house.gov/flake
Rep. Raul Grijalva (Dist. 7) Interested in helping out at our shops?
202-225-2435; www.house.gov/grijalva Contact Becky Aparicio 760-7881
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (Dist. 8) (Agua Caliente Shop) or
202-225-2542, fax 202-225-0378
Tucson 881-3588; www.house.gov/giffords Sara Pike 622-2230 (Main Shop)

26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009


The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters With
North America's Most Iconic Birds
Paul Bannick. Foreword by Tony Angell. 2008
Mountaineers Books, Seattle, WA
ISBN 978-1594850950
200 pages. $24.95
Every wild place and urban area in North America
hosts an owl or a woodpecker species, while
healthy natural places often boast representatives
of both. The diversity of these two families of birds,
and the ways in which they define and enrich the
ecosystems they inhabit, are the subject of this
vivid new book by photographer and naturalist Paul
Bannick.
The Owl and the Woodpecker showcases a
sense of these birds’ natural rhythms, as well as
the integral spirit of our wild places. Based on
thousands of hours in the field photographing these
fascinating and wily birds, Bannick evokes all 41
North American species of owls and woodpeckers,
across 11 key habitats. By revealing the impact of
two of our most iconic birds, Bannick has created a
wholly unique approach to birding and
conservation. This book is:
• A perfect holiday book for all bird-watchers
• An in-depth look at two of our most iconic—and
important—bird species
• Great for photography lovers, conservationists,
and backyard enthusiasts alike
• Includes a foreword by award-winning artist and
writer Tony Angell and an audio recording by
Martyn Stewart
About the author: Award-winning photographer
Paul Bannick specializes in the natural history of
North America, with a focus on his beloved Pacific
Northwest. Paul has coupled his love of the
outdoors with his skill as a photographer to create
images intended to foster intimacy between the
viewer and subject in order to inspire education
and conservation. (www.paulbannick.com)
Paul Bannick will be the speaker at Tucson Audubon’s Living With Nature lecture series on May 4 (see page 8 for details).
BOOKENDS
Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis and
What To Do About It
Robert Glennon. 2009
Island Press, Washington D.C.
ISBN 978-1597264365
432 pages. Hardcover $27.95
In 2002, Robert Glennon, Morris K. Udall Professor
of Law and Public Policy at the Rogers College of
Law at The University of Arizona, gave us Water
Follies, a book that detailed how we are sucking
our aquifers dry and putting our civilization at risk.
Now Glennon develops his argument, explaining
how much of our use and management of water is
absurd and unsustainable, and providing us with
some seeds of hope in his new book,
Unquenchable: America’s Water Crisis and What to
Do About It. Glennon has collated a wealth of
detailed information, rich with personal experience,
to support his thesis that a prosperous society
depends on a secure and reliable water supply,
something we do not have and must work to
achieve. Glennon is clear that the way to ensuring
adequate water for all, including our natural
environment, will be a rocky one and will need
creative and assertive leadership from citizens,
industry, and government at all levels, especially at
the federal level. One challenge: how do we
persuade those in government to think creatively
around some of the ideas presented here, and to
have the courage to implement them?
The book has three sections. The first,
consisting of five chapters, frames the crisis with
examples of the outcomes of overpumping
groundwater, extraordinary stories of consumption
and waste, and links between energy and water
use. The middle section addresses problems of
getting water of appropriate quality in the place
where people need it, when they need it. Our
demand is increasing just as supplies are
increasingly threatened, and the section ends with
optimistic chapters on water conservation and
water harvesting. The final section of the book, “A
New Approach”, offers a wealth of examples of
creative solutions to the crisis. As Glennon says, a
crisis is a time when action might avert future
catastrophe. The future depends on our ability to
respond appropriately today. The section includes
a chapter on providing water to serve our natural
environment, and his final chapter, “Conclusion, a
Blueprint for Reform”, ends the book on an
optimistic if challenging note. Glennon has a
commanding grasp of the legal minefield that is
part of making the necessary progress on water
reform.
MAY–JUNE 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon
By bringing together examples from around the
country, Glennon usefully gets us thinking beyond
our own backyard, and commonalities emerge. His
assertion that the roots of the future water crisis
ultimately lay in our failure to value water as a
resource and our failure to plan in a broad and
integrated manner for its future use are borne out
by his many examples. Choices our society makes
on land use, population and immigration, and farm
and energy policy all affect water supply. For
example, land-use reform needs to couple zoning
decisions with available water supply so that we
avoid the “tragedy-of-the-commons” unrestricted
access to a public resource, which typically results
in its overuse and depletion. His detailed example
of development in the Santa Fe region of New
Mexico gives us room to hope. One commonality
that Glennon supports with examples is the failure
of states and local governments to bring about
reform, and the assertion that federal government
needs to step up to the plate to integrate the
development of water policy. The laissez-faire
attitude to water use by some states means that
we do not have a sense of how much water we are
extracting from aquifers, nor how much water many
are using. It is clear that there is no silver bullet to
resolving the complex and varied issues around
providing water. What is crystal clear is the need
for better integration and more controls.
One of the messages of the book is to take
personal responsibility for your own water use, and
become a citizen steward and insist that
government and industry does the same.
Buy this book, read it, and you will be referring
to it on an almost daily basis if you have a
conscience about the water that you use.
Paul Green
VF
27
 DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS!
Explore Madera Canyon with Rick Wright May 13

ALAN D. WILSON / WWW.NATUREPICSONLINE.COM

Habitat, to those of us who learned to bird in the East and Midwest, is a flatly two-
dimensional concept. But much of the avian richness of southeast Arizona is a
result of the vertical: the bird communities inhabiting the steep, deeply incised
mountains of our Sky Islands change from base to summit as much as they do
from Mexico to Canada. Nowhere is this fascinating bit of biogeography more
conveniently or more enjoyably witnessed than in Madera Canyon. Rufous-
winged Sparrows and Swainson’s Hawks haunt the desert bajada, while the pine
forests of the peaks host Yellow-eyed Juncos and Northern Goshawks. A single
morning’s wandering through the canyon can produce such startling treefellows as Bell’s,
Hutton’s, and Plumbeous Vireos and Lucy’s, Grace’s, and Olive Warblers. Join Rick Wright,
Managing Director of WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide, for an easy-paced exploration of the
effects of the third dimension on the birdlife of southeast Arizona. We’ll be taking short, relaxed
walks at a number of sites in the canyon, and end our morning with brunch and good
conversation. Reserve your spot with a minimum donation of $500 by contacting Chris Harrison
at charrison@tucsonaudubon.org or 629-0757.

Kenn Kaufman comes to Tucson August

ROBERT SHANTZ
To help celebrate our 60th Anniversary, Kenn Kaufman is coming to Tucson during
the first week of August. Tucson Audubon will hold a series of birding trips and
fund-raising events with Kenn, and some special events for Tucson Audubon
donors. Kenn will finish his week by giving the Tucson Audubon-sponsored
keynote address at the South West Wings Birding Festival, “Marathon of the

ROBERT SHANTZ
skies: Bird migration from the bird's point of view”, on Saturday, August 8. More
details in July, and at our website www.tucsonaudubon.org.

NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON, AZ
300 E University Blvd, #120 PERMIT #1345
Tucson, AZ 85705

Change Service Requested

Vermilion Flycatcher
Volume 54, Number 3 May–June 2009
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.

28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher MAY–JUNE 2009