Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
f l y c a t c h e r
November–December 2009 | Volume 54, Number 6
5
Sustaining Wildlife in
Our Community
14 Create Sustainable Urban Wildlife Habitat
in Your Neighborhood
16 Thorny Issues for Birds
629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) 4 News Roundup Monsoon Fizzle, Summer Sizzle 13
Recognizing our Donors and Volunteers 23
All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated.
www.tucsonaudubon.org 8 Events and Classes PLUS a special four-page holiday gift ideas pull-out
I
consume around 25 percent of the earth’s environment.yale.edu/news/5323/). There are direct links between the
resources. Making changes that can have daily choices we make and both the
a large effect and are within our control
“ . . . politics, economics, and Climate Change Bill before the Senate
Jean Barchman
“Days of Caring” a success in developing youth birding met
on September 29 and officially
Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager
established the Tucson Young Birders
Club (TYBC), sponsored by Tucson
Both photos Kendall Kroesen
Jean Hengesbaugh
Volunteer to improve habitat!
Upcoming TogetherGreen volunteer days
Have you ever seen the “bush-dive” documentation of the desert bird
Scott Wilbor
display of the Le Conte’s Thrasher? community, especially populations of
Or spent time trying to count ground- Costa’s Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker,
scurrying Sage Thrashers and Sage Elf Owl, and Cactus Ferruginous
Sparrows as they dart in and out of Pygmy-Owl, plus the overall desert
low shrubs on their winter range? Our bird species diversity. We will also
early 2010 IBA bird surveys may allow of course be on the lookout for other
you this chance, all while traversing nesting raptors such as Peregrine
incredibly wild, beautiful, stark desert Falcon, Golden Eagle, and Crested
landscapes. The 2010 season begins Caracara. Although threats are few
early this January with an IBA Bird here (possible human disturbance
Monitoring Workshop scheduled being one), this area has high
.com
for Jan. 15 and 16 (classroom & field potential for qualifying for IBA status
, www.jimburnsphotos
sessions). We are interested getting in Arizona, which may give it special
new volunteers for some of our IBAs recognition for the exceptional desert
or potential IBA monitoring efforts in bird populations it supports. This will
2010. This includes some exciting be our second year of surveys in both Clockwise from
bird monitoring opportunities through these wild and beautiful southwestern top: O’Neil Hills
Valley, Cabeza
opportunity to advance bird habitat Carlos, a GIS specialist, to link and enjoys bird watching and is
conservation/protection for these streamline the data transfer of our committed to a career in wildlife and
special areas! Contact: Scott Wilbor, two databases. She also helped the habitat conservation. We are excited
Alamo Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus TAS-IBA office 628-1730. program in innumerable other ways, she has found us!
National Monument
November–December 2009 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5
Tucson Audubon
News Roundup
Matt Griffiths
small shovel-full of dirt on Monday, for Tucson and the northwest
September 28! In no time at all communities of Tortolita, Oro Valley
(thanks to heavy machinery) the hole and Marana.
for the composting bins was dug. At So please join us in our excitement
the submission of this article, we are at the Mason Center Toilet Grand
pouring concrete and getting ready for Opening Ceremony on December 5 at
the strawbale wall-raising workshop 10 am. For more information, updates,
on Saturday October 24. The and how to place your bid, visit www.
estimated completion time is quickly tucsonaudubon.org or call Lia at 971-
upon us as you hold this newsletter 6238.
in your hands! With the years-long
hullabaloo surrounding this project
we would be remiss to not hold some Be the first to use
sort of grand opening ceremony. a Mason Center
Lia Sansom
Furthermore, we know a fundraising composting toilet!
opportunity when we see one and this
may provide our best fundraiser yet. Bidding starts at $50 each
This is certainly an event worth (there are 2 toilets so
celebrating—this restroom contains there will be 2 winners)
the first commercial-sized composting Bidding begins Monday, Lia Sansom (top) led off the construction
toilet in a developed area in Pima of the Mason Center composting restroom
November 2 and will by digging a small hole with a shovel.
County and demonstrates the culminate at the Heavy machinery (above) then made short
progress Pima County has made in Grand Opening work of carving out the trench
accepting sustainable technologies (far right) for the composting
Ceremony on bins. A strawbale wall-raising
beyond the residential scale. Another December 5 at 10 am. workshop is scheduled
angle of accomplishment is that for Saturday October 24,
the completion of this restroom You must be present to and the grand opening
ceremony, with first use of
symbolizes the readiness of the win and claim your prize!
Lia Sansom
the toilet (right), will take
Mason Center to fully launch itself as place on December 5.
et
nn
Be
Andy
January/February finalized speakers and subjects. To In Memory of Claudia Quesinberry and Colleen Prescott, David Prescott,
Vermilion Flycatcher sign up for email updates, visit www. from Michael and Jan Dowling Melinda Prescott, Chris Totura, Steve
tucsonaudubon.org. Totura, Patricia and Donald Little
Kendall Kroesen
our website for details. Bring friends,
and with them a flurry of activities and almost single-handedly made
neighbors and family!
for our volunteers, from preparing it possible for us to be successful
6
scrumptious goodies for programs, to Volunteer Orientation—February there. He attended every volunteer
answering questions at a number of 24, 2010. Our first volunteer day and recruited most of the
tabling events and sharing binocular orientation was a great success, residents in whose yards we worked.
Unusual event that happened
and scope skills with Tucson families. and Tucson Audubon will have Nobody worked harder to construct
while birding? At our annual Easter
Once again Tucson Audubon another opportunity for our volunteer the rainwater harvesting “rain
vacation up to Gila River we decided
participated in United Way Days of candidates to meet staff, the board gardens” we built there.
to go birding after setting up camp.
Caring; and two days of digging, president, and our executive director Tucson Audubon looks forward
We must have been about a mile
moving rocks and planting native Dr. Paul Green, and to clarify to continuing to work with Carlos
away when we came about this huge
species were completed on the Fifth our objectives as well as answer and the Barrio Kroeger Lane
dead collapsed mesquite tree. On
Avenue side of the Old Y, our home. questions. Coffee and snacks will be neighborhood.
display with wings outstretched were
Davis Monthan AFB personnel and served. 9:30–11:30 am. Please RSVP:
SIX QUESTIONS about 20 Black Vultures that could
IBM staff volunteered their time Becky 622-2230.
First time you went birding? It have made a wonderful postcard.
and brawn as their commitment to Tucson Audubon Society Gala— must have been at the Santa Cruz We were fortunate to witness, but
community service. February 2, 2010. If you like parties, River with my father when I was unfortunate to forget the camera.
Our first volunteer orientation was planning and dressing up, please get young; and recently this summer with
a great kick-off to what looks like a Favorite bird and where did you
on board the winter social whirl! All Kendall Kroesen and Dr. Paul Green.
very busy season. For any volunteer see it? I have an affection for hawks
manner of worker bees are needed to It is such a joy to wake up to the
who was unable to attend please and their aerial feats, but I am
make this event even more successful sights and sounds of our desert birds
stop in to the Tucson Audubon nature recently admiring a desert cardinal
than last year’s. Anyone interested at the base of “A” Mountain.
shop to receive the new Volunteer that has taken a liking to a cane stick
can contact: Becky 622-2230.
Level of birding? I consider myself cholla. His yellow beak, red chest
Education Department Needs. a beginner birder. I have some with gray is beautiful on the ground. I
Exciting programs are planned for books from the library and rummage have been able to get visuals a
the fall and winter, and a number of sales. It gives me a great feeling couple of times a week on the west
volunteers are needed for one-day of accomplishment in learning and side of Desert Survivors along the
help and longer-term consistent knowing. Santa Cruz River trail.
Becky Aparicio
John Doerr, Betty Eppler and Jim Nancy Rivera, Micky Schap, Maria The Lodge at Ventana Canyon VF
Enjoy watching birds and eager to learn more? homework, but it will be enjoyable. The course
These classes are for you. includes three 2-hour classroom sessions and two
Learn why southeastern Arizona is such a great field trips, approximately 2½–3 hours in length.
place for birds and why birdwatching is so darn One series will be taught in Tucson, the other in
much fun. The course is designed for beginners. Green Valley.
We’ll address how to separate birds by habitat, The course series will be taught by Lynn
GREEN VALLEY COURSE
seasonal occurrence, and behavior. Learn about Hassler, birder for over 35 years, author of
Wednesdays, February 10, 17, and 24;
field marks and vocalizations. Get the lowdown on numerous books including Birds of the American
10 am–12 noon, location to be announced
binoculars and field guides, birding vocabulary, and Southwest; Hummingbirds of the American West;
Field Trips: Wednesdays, March 3 and 10;
etiquette in the field. Roadrunners; and Gambel’s Quail; and educator
locations/times to be announced
Participants will learn how to identify local on plants, birds and desert ecology.
birds and discover some of their interesting Cost for each five-session course: $135 for
characteristics and charms. Also covered will be TUCSON COURSE members, $170 for nonmembers which includes a
some of the adaptations birds have developed in Thursdays: February 4, 11, and 18; Friends of Tucson Audubon membership.
order to survive in our challenging environment. 6–8 pm at Tucson Audubon To sign up, contact the Nature Shop at 629-0510.
The course is guaranteed to improve your Field Trips: Saturdays, February 6 and 20; Questions regarding the class, call Education at
appreciation of local bird life. There will be locations/ times to be announced 622-2230 or e-mail education@tucsonaudubon.
Kendall Kroesen
Ann Audrey
Zeiss Optics
Birdday Party
Saturday, November 7, 11 am–3 pm
Agua Linda Farm
creatures in general, with up-close-and-personal live sustainably with nature to provide a heritage
peeks into their their intertidal homes. for their children.
1. Give IDE as a gift—Know a friend or loved one Jan 15 & 16, 2010. IBA Bird Monitoring
who would love to attend IDE? This program workshop (details p 5)
makes an excellent gift! Keep in mind the Jan 18–20, 2010. IBA survey, Organ Pipe
holidays are coming up. . . . Cactus National Monument (details p 5)
2. Graduation Dinner—If you would like to Jan 23, 2010. Sandhill Cranes and gourmet
attend again but aren’t able to come for the full food education trip (details p 10)
program, you are welcome to join us for the
Jan 27–30, 2010. IBA survey, Cabeza Prieta
evening graduation meal on Saturday, April
NWR (details p 5)
17. This is a good way to reconnect with the
faculty and relive some of the fun moments of Jan 30, 2010. Saturday morning at the Mason
The Institute of Desert Ecology (IDE) is just around Center (details p 6)
past Institutes. The cost for the Saturday meal
the corner. In just a few months, the days will be
is $30.00. Feb 2, 2010. Tucson Audubon Gala (details
getting longer again, the daytime temperatures
3. T-shirt contest—See the boxed text below for p 32)
will again be rising, and lowland desert camping or
more information. Feb 4–Mar 10, 2010. Backyard Birding and
hiking will be on your mind. Why not combine these
To register or for more information, contact Beyond classes for beginners (details p 8)
with the chance to learn all about the Sonoran
Matt Brooks, Institute Director, at 622–2230 or
Desert in an inviting setting? Feb 6–17, 2010. Landscaping for Wildlife and
mbrooks@tucsonaudubon.org.
The 2010 Institute will be a siginificant Sustainability course (details p 10)
milestone for Tucson Audubon’s longest-running
Feb 13, 2010. Raptors in the Sulphur Springs
education program. For 40 years, our amazing
Valley education trip (details p 10)
faculty of local experts has been teaching Sonoran
have a good
artists! If you Feb 24, 2010. Tucson Audubon volunteer
Desert ecology to people from around the Calling all of Desert
annual Institute orientation (details p 7)
continent. We are proud to have more than 2000 idea for the 40th e it. At the
we’d love to se
graduates from the program from over the years, Ecology T-shirt, issions Apr 15–18, 2010. Institute of Desert Ecology
’ll review the bm
su
many of whom have gone on to careers in a similar end of Januar y we nn er . Th at (details left)
decide on a wi
VF
George
bill on the Bald Eagle—quite impressive!
Bald Eagle—our national symbol of suggesting the
Juvenile Bald Eagles are less easy
West
pride, majesty, power and grace. It breeds beak of a large
to identify, and adult plumage
only in North America, and is the largest bird. Although “bald”
is attained only after birds
of all our raptors except for the California would nowadays call
are 4½ to 5½ years of age.
Condor. It’s a surprise to some people to mind hairless or
Juvenile birds have a blotchy
that this bird likes to eat carrion, and was featherless, in Middle
appearance, less defined
once called a “bird of low moral character” English (c.1200-c.1500)
than young Goldens. Like
by Benjamin Franklin (for its tendency to balled meant “shining
many raptors, juveniles have
steal fish from Ospreys). But that aside, white.” The scientific
longer tails and broader wings
most people do think the Bald Eagle is a name Haliaeetus
great symbol for our country. leucocephalus than adults. Like learning to
There’s nothing like seeing your derives from the Greek surf on a big surfboard, I’ve heard
first adult Bald Eagle. Mine was while haliaetos “sea eagle” this makes it easier for young birds
canoeing down the Colorado River. We (halos “the sea” and aetos to learn flying, while adult birds can
rounded a bend and came upon one “eagle”), with the species maneuver more quickly after prey with
eating a fish on a gravel bar far ahead. name coming from the shorter feathering.
We immediately went silent and slowly Greek leukos, “white,” and Here in Arizona, we generally can
drifted closer. As we approached, the kephalos, “head.” count on having a few Bald Eagles
eagle picked the fish up in its talons Bald Eagle populations around each winter, though I believe
and slowly flew upstream—passing our have changed dramatically recent years have seen fewer. The
canoe a mere pebble’s throw away. I’ll over the last century. Early bird is listed as being casual to rare in
never forget the majestically slow beats on, they were so numerous southeastern Arizona from December
of wings, as large, seemingly, as a fully in Alaska that a bounty through mid-March. Places to look
opened newspaper—a magical moment was offered for killing them. Later, include larger lakes, agricultural areas
for sure. the effects of DDT caused a nesting- and grasslands. Examples of each that
success rate drop from 75 percent to 14 at least used to be productive are Parker
percent in one study, with subsequent Canyon Lake, the Sulphur Springs Valley,
Bald Eagle is listed as and the San Rafael grasslands. To pick a
being casual to rare in listing on the Endangered Species List.
The banning of DDT helped lead to best site to try for one I’d suggest driving
southeastern Arizona east on Rucker Canyon Road towards the
eventual delisting, and since then Bald
from December through west flank of the Chiricahua Mountains,
Eagle nesting has been documented in
mid-March. all continental U.S. states except Rhode checking out all high-flying raptors. One
Island and Vermont. It helps that they are can find a dozen different raptors on
The calls of this bird are a little less long-lived birds, and longevity records a day’s birding in the Sulphur Springs
majestic however, and when you see include individuals living 28 (wild) and 36 Valley, and Tucson Audubon field trips
one on TV on anything other than a (captive) years. Habitat loss, as usual, regularly visit there in winter (see p 10 for
documentary, there’s usually a Red-tailed is considered the biggest conservation an upcoming trip). Try going on one for a
Hawk-sounding call given instead. To me threat today. look at this striking bird. Good luck! VF
the Bald Eagle’s call sounds like a series Bald Eagles are not closely related to
of rapid squeaky notes, almost rail-like. the Golden Eagle. The latter is the sole Available in our
I’ll bet ol’ Ben would make a “harrumpf” North American member of a worldwide Nature S hops
sound here—he wanted the Wild Turkey group sometimes called “booted” or true Raptors of Western
chosen as our nation’s bird instead! eagles, closely related to buteos. The North America by
The word eagle comes from the Latin Bald Eagle is a member of a group known Brian K. Wheeler. The
aquila, originally “black eagle,” which as fish-eagles and thought to be more most thorough guide to
comes from the Latin words aquilus closely related to kites. Steller’s Sea- the American West’s
“dark,” and aquilo “north wind” (which Eagle and White-tailed Eagle are also raptors, fully illustrated
darkened the sky), and was used as a members of this group. with hundreds of full-
military standard in Imperial Rome. The Adult Bald Eagles are one of the color photographs and
adjective “aquiline” usually describes easier raptors to identify with their all- detailed species maps. $29.95
a large and somewhat hooked nose white heads and tails, massive size, and
12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher November–December 2009
Where to Go, Birds to See
Cliff Cathers
Cliff Cathers | Volunteer Field Trip Leader
The monsoon season that normally Dickcissel and Vaux’s Swift sightings
brings welcome rains and cooler seemed above average.
All photos by
temperatures to the desert Southwest This bounty of these rarities and
fizzled and was anything but normal this their associated locations are scattered
year, timidly sprinkling below average throughout many national forests,
amounts of rain here and there and preserves and private residences all A well-birded row of cottonwoods in Fort Lowell Park (left)
has harbored Northern Parula (right)
ending earlier than usual. over southeast Arizona. Birders here are
As birders weathered the steamy end blessed with an amazing array of birding
to a hot and dry summer, the birding habitats to choose from including mature Pine and Hooded Warblers; various
itself continued its torrid pace in August Sonoran Desert, densely vegetated raptors; Red Phalarope; and more.
and September. The Ramsey Canyon riparian areas, sky islands with conifer- Fort Lowell Park (Craycroft Road
Brown-backed Solitaire and Aztec Thrush covered summits, oak-shaded rocky between Fort Lowell and Glenn) is a
extended their stays. The Patagonia hillsides, grasslands, lakes, ponds, and smaller historic park with a tiny lake,
Sinaloa Wren continued to play hide-and- washes. Despite such a wealth of habitats riparian corridor, typical park facilities and
seek through the period. Rufous-capped available each time afield, have you ever lots of open areas. A well-birded row of
Warblers were regularly reported from considered in-town Tucson for birding? cottonwoods running from the parking
their early summer haunts, and Black- Tucson is a sprawling urban area much area to Craycroft Road has harbored
capped Gnatcatchers were observed on like other cities across our country, an Northern Parula, and Lewis’s Woodpecker
multiple locations in the foothills of the interesting mash of roads, businesses, is sometimes found in the pecan grove.
Santa Rita Mountains. residential neighborhoods, vacant lots, dry In fall and winter, Hooded Mergansers
Two Plain-capped Starthroats showed washes, and the occasional park. These occasionally favor the small lake.
up, one just south of Patagonia and the dry washes and parks are sometimes Lakeside Park (Stella Road between
other at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek thickly vegetated with native and E. Camino Seco and S. Pantano Road) is
Preserve; and a Green Kingfisher sometimes exotic non-native shrubs and different from the other example parks, a
returned to the San Pedro’s Kingfisher trees. To our avian friends, these green bit more manicured, but with large native
Pond. Short-tailed Hawks were again oases mean food, water and shelter (see and exotic trees and the typical park
noted atop the Chiricahua Mountains, and pp 16–17). Fall, winter and spring tend amenities. The park features a rather
a successful breeding of Flame-colored to be the best times for checking local large lake which has attracted an amazing
Tanagers occurred in the lower part of the habitat patches in search of migrants, array of water birds over the years
range. stray visitors from the east and our year- including Black Skimmer, Brown Pelican,
In late August and early September the round residents. Black Tern, Pacific Loon and others.
shorebird conditions at Willcox were the A birding journey to your neighborhood McCormick Park (Columbus Road
best in years, with extensive mudflats to open space can definitely be classified between Fort Lowell and Glenn) is a
attract a wide range of species including as “eco-friendly.” To the environmentally compact park with lots of open area,
Ruddy Turnstone and Red Knot. In conscious birder, the primary benefit park facilities, a playground and large
Tucson, Sweetwater Wetlands these urban birding sites and parks trees. This park was birded heavily this
was regularly coughing up provide is their proximity to where past winter, thanks to a lowland wintering
80 to over 100 species we work, live and play. A few set of Williamson’s and Red-naped
to keen-eyed birders. examples of Tucson’s city Sapsuckers favoring the mature pines
parks include Reid, Fort scattered about. Vermilion Flycatchers
Lowell, Lakeside, and may be found here all year.
McCormick, all easily These are but a few examples of
accessible by bike, bus, Tucson’s many urban habitats. Pick your
carpool or walking. nearest city park, weed patch, wash or
Reid Park (S. Country arroyo, and your eco-friendly explorations
Club and 22nd Street) is a may spark some late summer birding
large enclave with mature trees, sizzle! And don’t forget to enter site
ball fields, artificial lakes, grassy details and birds seen to www.aviatlas.
picnic areas, and playground facilities. com (see p 14 of the September/October
Despite being surrounded by cityscape, Vermilion Flycatcher). VF
Are you making your yard or pointers? Tucson Audubon teaches a in combination with cisterns, hold and
neighborhood into a home for birds and course called Landscaping for Wildlife infiltrate water into the ground. We plant
other wildlife? and Sustainability. The next 16-hour landscapes densely and with a wide
Tucson Audubon will recognize your course will be taught February 6, 10, 13 variety of native plant species, creating
efforts! Contact us for more information and 17 (two Saturday mornings and two a complex vegetative structure. Plants
about how to get your property Wednesday evenings). Whether you survive mostly on rainwater.
recognized (kkroesen@tucsonaudubon. are a gardening enthusiast, a landscape In the new model many trees are
org, or 971-2385). There’s no charge to designer, or just want more birds in your thorny, providing cover from predators
you for recognition, but there is a charge yard, you’ll enjoy learning about a new and protected places to nest (see p 15).
to purchase a sign announcing your model for landscaping (see p 10). Plants host insects, and produce fruits
property’s status (see photo). Our new model for landscaping isn’t and seeds that are eaten by birds and
Are you just starting to transform just getting rid of lawns. In the new reptiles. Trees and shrubs are rarely
your yard into habitat? Want some model, basins and swales, alone or trimmed, allowing low branches to cover
Tucson’s
Kendall Kroesen
natural
setting and
sprawling
growth make
it an ideal
place to
study the
complex
relationships
between
wildlife
Doris Evans
and urban Above: Blue palo verde. Right: Ironwood flowers.
development.
Many kinds of wildlife can be found in urban Native Vegetation and Native
areas, but birds are often among the most Birds—Don’t Forget the
visible, diverse, and desirable—and Tucson is an Thorn Trees!
incredible place to live if you appreciate birds.
Tucson has been the focus for some of the Vegetation is one of the most important
most important research on birds in urban factors in determining which birds are found in a
environments. When I began my graduate work particular area. While cities tend to have fewer
at the University of Arizona, I was fortunate to species of birds than nearby natural areas,
take over the coordination of the Tucson Bird residential areas could support higher numbers
Count (TBC), which was established by Will of many types of native birds with the right mix of
Turner in 2001. The TBC is a citizen science plants. I studied ten bird species: Ash-throated
Robert Shantz
project that is designed to assess the distribution Flycatcher, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher,
and abundance of birds throughout the Tucson Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Lesser
area. Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Phainopepla,
In addition to the broad, citywide information Pyrrhuloxia, and Verdin. The amount and type of
we can get from the TBC, I was also interested native plants present in an area were the most
in examining how things like the plants used in important factors in determining whether or not a
landscapes at smaller scales (such as individual species occurred there. Some species, such as
yards and neighborhoods) impact birds. To do Pyrrhuloxia, Verdin, and Gambel’s Quail, simply
Robert Shantz
this, I looked at the relationships between 10 bird preferred native plants to non-native plants
species and a variety of habitat features at these whereas other species preferred specific types of
smaller scales and, as it turns out, there are a native plants.
lot of relatively simple things that people can do Native plants are important to many native
in their yards and neighborhoods to help sustain bird species because they provide food and
populations of native birds in Tucson. cover, a relationship that has developed over
The following is the first in a series of articles millions of years. On the other hand, many non-
that looks at the results of this research and native birds, such as House Sparrows, are often
Ash-throated Flycatcher (top) and outlines some of the practical steps homeowners highly adaptable to different environments and
Northern Cardinal can take to encourage native birds. can utilize a wide variety of plants—hence their
16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher November–December 2009
ds
.com
Alan Murphy, www.alanmurphyphotography
Kendall Kroesen
Number of thorn trees Percent of sites with Above left to right: Cactus Wren; Tucson Botanical Gardens
or bushes within a Verdins
yard (0.5 ha in size)
0 7.7 Quail, Northern Cardinals, and Verdins. In arid
Available in our
environments like Tucson, thorn trees and
1–2 41.3 Nature Shops
bushes can act as the mid-story shrub layer that
3–4 45.6
is often missing from residential landscapes Cactus of Arizona
4+ 51.3 dominated by heavily pruned trees, flowering by Nora & Rick
plants and ground cover. This mid-story shrub Bowers and Stan
layer provides cover, nesting sites and foraging Tekiela. $14.95
opportunities (insectivores like Verdins search for Trees of Arizona
insects among the leaves and flowers), and its by Stan Tekiela.
presence is a good indicator of a quality habitat $13.95
for native birds.
Cacti and
Yet, many homeowners either remove thorn Succulents.
trees or avoid planting them due to concerns A Simon &
about the difficulty of trimming such plants or the
Kendall Kroesen
Schuster’s Guide
danger thorns may pose to children and pets. edited by Stanley
However, the presence of only one or two thorn Schuler. $16.00
trees can significantly increase the likelihood of
Desert Bird
attracting the types of birds that use them. For
The Nature Conservancy yard in Tucson. Gardening
example, in my study, Verdins were only found and Native
in about eight percent of yards that didn’t have Trees: Guide to
any thorn trees or bushes (regardless of the Landscaping
widespread global distribution. In residential surrounding habitat), whereas they were found in both published
areas, the types of vegetation people plant will 41 percent of yards with one or two thorn trees or by Arizona Plant
bushes. So, a single thorn tree or bush, placed Society and
largely influence the birds present in their yards,
in an out-of-the-way location where it can be Tucson Audubon
and many Tucson yards contain few native plants
avoided by people and pets and left untrimmed, Society. $3.50
or lack the diversity of plants necessary to attract each
a variety of native birds. could have a considerable impact on the variety
One type of native plant that is often missing and number of native birds visiting your yard.
from residential landscapes, even those filled In my next article, I’ll address the important
with native plants, is thorn trees or bushes. In relationship between the Phainopepla and
the Tucson area, native thorn trees and bushes mistletoe. VF
Doris Evans
that will capture carbon from the For more information please visit
atmosphere. The Local Trust offers www.scenicsantaritas.org
The 2004 Open Space Bond was a County has purchased over 51,000 complete a functional natural preserve Administrator has indicated to the
big step toward initial implementation acres of fee lands and also manages system, the sooner we purchase open bond committee that open space
of the Sonoran Desert Conservation over 127,000 acres of State Trust space, the more economical it is and is not his priority in 2010 and is
Plan, and especially for mitigating Land grazing leases. the more certainty our community has recommending enough funding ONLY
impacts to habitat for important desert However, there is a great need as to where growth may occur and to buy the lands already committed
species. With over 66 percent of to continue to purchase and protect what will be protected. to the purchase of Marley Ranch,
voters supporting the open space desert uplands, grasslands and And very importantly, we have and an additional $10 million toward
question, it was a huge success and riparian areas in Pima County, the the opportunity NOW to purchase community open space, which has a
the most highly supported of all the most important of which are identified State Trust Land at reasonable price tag of over $200 million.
General Obligation bond measures on as “Habitat Protection Priorities.” prices while land prices are low Please attend future bond meetings
the ballot that year. Key habitat areas identified as and the state deficit is high. This and let the bond committee members
Pima County has acquired many needing permanent protection by the can be done with select parcels by know that you want to fully fund
important biological properties with County-appointed team of biologists purchasing them at auction as Pima open space! The next meeting will
the 1997 and 2004 Open Space are valued at $2.6 billion or more. County did with Tumamoc Hill. As be held Friday, November 20, 8 am,
Bond funds. Properties include the Additionally, more urban parcels of well, the conservation community at Manning House, 450 W. Paseo
A-7 Ranch near the San Pedro open space have been identified continues to work on State Trust Land Redondo (downtown Tucson).
River; 290 acres in Cochie Canyon for purchase totaling $200 million or reform, which will be accomplished Or call, write, or email the
in the Tortolita Mountains; the Bar V more. When this “Habitat Protection in the timeframe of the next bond bond committee: Pima County
Ranch in Davidson Canyon; Madera Priorities” map was developed in 2003 expenditures—10–13 years. Bond Advisory Committee, 130 W.
Highlands, a 366-acre parcel adjacent for the Sonoran Desert Conservation The citizen-based Conservation Congress, 10th Floor, Tucson, Arizona
to the Buenos Aires NWR; the Rancho Plan, it was meant to guide future Acquisition Commission has 85701 Attn: Mr. Larry Hecker, Chair.
Seco, Sopori Ranch, and portions open space purchases that would recommended to the County Bond Address email comments to: diana.
of the Marley Ranch in Altar Valley; off-set, or mitigate for, the impacts of Advisory Committee that the 2010 durazo@pima.gov
and over 1300 acres in the Tucson urban and suburban growth in Pima bond election include $285 million For talking points go to the
Mountains, including the 700-acre County. And while it will take multiple for habitat and community open Coalition’s website at www.
Sweetwater Preserve. In all, Pima bonds and other funding sources to space. Unfortunately, the County sonorandesert.org. VF
com
Bog Hole, San Rafael Valley
December 20—Sunday
Tucson Valley Christmas
Kendall Kroesen
Bird Count
Have fun and join one of the many teams
conducting Christmas Counts throughout the
Santa Cruz River Tucson area. We are celebrating the 110th
anniversary of this count! No experience
the leader beginning December 2. Leader: Sally necessary. Contact Larry early to grab the most
Johnsen 399-4050 empidonax@netzero.net exciting count areas! Larry Liese larryliese@
December 8—Tuesday 9:15 am–11 am prodigy.net 743-3520
Sweetwater Wetlands December 22—Tuesday 8:30 am
The euphemistically named Sweetwater Whitewater Draw
Kendall Kroesen
Wetlands are Tucson’s own migrant Meet at Houghton Rd. north of I-10 at
trap, full of wintering passerines, shorebirds, and 8:30 am. We will carpool from there and should
waterfowl. We can expect to see large numbers of arrive at our destination late in the morning.
Sam Lena Park sparrows, warblers, and ducks. Bring water, a hat, Fortunately the birds we are looking for are not
notebook and pencil, and a spotting scope if you the early-morning types. We should see lots of
November 28—Saturday 6:30 am have one. Plan on walking about a mile on paved
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve the wonderful cranes, plus ducks, some raptors,
sidewalks, with plenty of opportunities to pause on and various other water-loving species including,
Join Tucson Audubon for a post-Turkey Day strut a bench and enjoy the show. Meet at Sweetwater
through The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia- occasionally, gulls. Bring a scope if you have
Wetlands parking lot at 9:15 am. Leaders: Rick one. We will start back by mid-afternoon. About
Sonoita Creek Preserve. We’ll be looking for Wright and Alison Beringer; birdaz@gmail.com.
migrants, holdover rarities and little yellow-green 250 miles roundtrip. Leader: Brian McKnight
jobs. Entrance fee required. Meet at Houghton Rd. December 12—Saturday 5:30 am–3 pm mcknight@u.arizona.edu
just north of I-10 at 6:30 am (leader not present) or Tres Rios Wetlands (Phoenix) December 27—Sunday
at the preserve parking area at 7:30 am. Remember Tres Rios is where the Salt, Gila, and Tanque Verde Wash/NE Tucson
water, sunscreen and a hat. 120 miles roundtrip. Agua Fria Rivers unite to provide a home Walk off those holiday meals with a post Christmas
Leader: Clifford A. Cathers AZCliffy@q.com 520- for a rich variety of birds. Tom Hildebrandt stroll along Tanque Verde Wash, both east and
762-3201 of Arizona Game & Fish will join us to share his west of Wentworth Road in northeast Tucson. We’ll
expertise on the birds, wildlife, and history of this see if any Lawrence’s Goldfinches are visiting
December & January lush greenbelt in metro Phoenix that features year- from California. Meet at the McDonald’s at Tanque
round running water. Meet at 5:30 am for carpooling Verde and Catalina Highway at 7:30 am. Leader:
December 1—Tuesday 6:30 am at the commuter parking lot at Ina and Via Ponte,
Sonoita Creek Natural Area Clifford A. Cathers, AZCliffy@q.com 762-3201
one block west of Oracle and Ina, on the south side
at Patagonia Lake of Ina. 3 pm return. 260 miles round-trip. Leader: December 29—Tuesday 6:30–8:30 pm
We will start from the trailhead just below Lake Richard Filley rdfilley@yahoo.com or 480-277-0834 Star Party for the Whole
Patagonia and hike along the riparian area Family—Galileo Style!
below the dam for a 3.5-mile loop, making it December 15—Tuesday 7 am The leader will have a telescope for you
essential that you bring good hiking shoes, plenty Santa Cruz Flats to view the moon, Jupiter and its Galilean moons,
of water, hat and sun screen and a snack or Winter in the Flats can mean raptors and perhaps, double stars, and more! Or, if you have a Galileo-
small lunch. For more location information see with very good luck, Mountain Plovers, as a small type telescope, bring it and have fun learning
the website: azstateparks.com/Parks/SOCR/ number of these declining birds sometimes winter to use it. Binoculars useful but not required.
Limited participation, so call the leader to register here. Powder fine dust permeates the Flats making Meet at top of Campbell Ave.—north of Skyline
beginning November 20. State park fee area. 150 it necessary to strictly limit the number of cars on Drive. Significant cloudiness cancels the event.
miles roundtrip. Leader: Norma Miller n8urnut@q. this trip. Contact the leader for details and to sign If in doubt, call leader. Leader: Michael S. Smith
com 578-1399 up starting December 1. Leader: Darlene Smyth mssq@comcast.net 299-0122
dsmyth3@comcast.net 297-2315
December 5—Saturday 6:30 am January 1—Friday 7:30–10:30 am
Santa Cruz River-Tubac December 19—Saturday Sweetwater Wetlands for New
Fire and good rains have produced great Nogales Christmas Bird Count Birders or Visitors to Tucson
habitat for birds in this flat-mile-stretch. Recent Help other birders as they conduct this interesting Start a new year of birding as we stroll along
rarities have included a Prothonotary Warbler and count. This is a holiday tradition that is 110 years paved/dirt paths chatting about binoculars,
a Red-eyed Vireo, and we can expect a morning old this year! Contact Michael Bissontz for details field guides, primary habitats, behaviors, and
of mixed flocks of wintering birds, especially seetrogon@comcast.net identification of common birds of this reclaimed
sparrows. Limited to 10 people. Register with
20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher November–December 2009
water site. We’ll likely share our walk with warblers, SPECIAL FIELD TRIPs
FOUR CENTURIES OF TELESCOPES
hawks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, sparrows,
(Now it’s your time!) January 18-21, 2010—Monday–
grebes, ducks, rails, shorebirds, and others amidst
Need an idea for a youngster’s holiday gift? Thursday
the cattail marsh, open-water ponds, shallow
What about a Galileo-type telescope—for $15?
basins, cottonwoods and willows, and desert scrub Southern California
These have better optics than the one Galileo We will do a loop with stops that include,
along the adjacent Santa Cruz River bed. Meet at
Galilei used; they are certainly inexpensive, and but are not limited to, the Salton Sea, upper
Sweetwater Wetlands parking lot. Leader: Cynthia
easily put together. Obviously, the telescopes Newport Bay, Bolsa Chica, the San Elijo
Barstad 237-2331 cynthiabarstad@gmail.com
were designed with astronomy in mind. But we lagoon, La Jolla and Mission Bay, Mission
January 2—Saturday astronomers—who are also birders—know that Dam Park, and Cuyamaca State Park with a
Dudleyville Christmas they will help identify that little somebody sitting late return to Tucson. We will particularly look
Bird Count way over there on a distant telephone pole! for Allen’s Hummingbird, Belding’s Savannah
For 110 years now, people have been getting up https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/ Sparrow, Clark’s and Horned Grebes, Brant,
early to count every bird in their assigned area. Surf Scoters, Black-vented Shearwaters,
Ask to help an experienced counter! Contact: Doug gulls, terns, shorebirds, Nuttall’s Woodpecker,
register soon! VF
Do you know how Tucson Audubon is fundraising appeals, donor recognition Personnel: While the Executive
governed, and would you like to be a part events, the annual gala, the annual Director has the direct responsibility
of the process? Here is a short review of holiday potluck, and other fundraising of hiring and supervising the staff, this
how our Society works. functions. Sandy Elers is chair of this committee assists him in reviewing and
The Board of Directors is responsible committee. revising the personnel policies manual
for the overall direction of the Society and other personnel-related matters.
Education: The members of this
and to make sure that it is fulfilling its In addition, it conducts annual reviews
committee help develop and provide
mission. The duties of the Board include of the ED’s performance and makes
environmental information and
ensuring that the Society is run in a stable recommendations to the Board regarding
educational services to teachers, adults,
and professional manner, conducting salary and other benefits. Mich Coker, the
young people, and families. Included
annual reviews to determine whether it is Society’s Vice President, heads up this
within this mandate is the developing
achieving its goals, approving the annual committee.
and implementing of programs to meet
budget and other financial oversight,
the strategic plan, conducting classes, Now you should be able to understand
taking a leadership role in fundraising
managing the Riparian Family Institute how the Society is governed, at least
and hiring and evaluating the Executive
and the Institute of Desert Ecology, in broad terms. If you have any interest
Director. Much of the work of the Board is
and other educational programs. The in becoming a part of this management
done through committees and these are
committee has recently adopted an process or are just curious to see it
Conservation, Development, Education,
education strategic plan and Cynthia function, you are always welcome to
Finance, Membership, Nomination,
Pruett, as chair, is guiding the committee attend Board or committee meetings. Just
and Personnel. A description of each
through the implementation of the plan. let me know your interest and I will send
committee follows.
you in the right direction.
Finance: As you would imagine this
You can contact me at herb@
Conservation: This important committee oversees and assists the
tucsonaudubon.org.
committee is responsible for advising Executive Director in managing the
and recommending to the Board which Society’s finances, including its assets and
conservation policies Tucson Audubon accounting. It also assists the Executive
should support or adopt. This includes Director in preparing the annual budget The Vermilion Society
informing on local, state, and national for the Society, and otherwise assists the
When you include Tucson Audubon Society
conservation issues. The committee’s treasurer (the chair of this committee) in
in your estate planning, you will join many
subcommittee on Land Management carrying out his or her responsibilities. A
others as a member of our Vermilion
supervises the various restoration long-time member of Tucson Audubon,
Society. Vermilion Society members are
sites that the Society is developing. Lindsey Quesinberry, has recently filled
acknowledged in Tucson Audubon’s
The subcommittee also oversees the the treasurer’s position. Another important
Vermilion Flycatcher news magazine and
management and care of the various addition to the Society’s financial team
in our annual reports. Vermilion Society
parcels owned by the Society and is the appointment of Brad Paxton to
members also receive a handsome
reviews properties under consideration the new staff position of Financial and
certificate, special invitations to Tucson
for acquisition. Chris McVie presides over Operations Manager.
Audubon events, and an invitation to an
this committee.
Membership: This committee is annual lunch to meet our staff and see your
Development: Raising funds for responsible for planning and conducting thoughtful contributions at work.
the Society so that it can carry out membership campaigns, seeking ways We sometimes receive bequests from
its mission is the purpose of this to increase membership retention, people whom we have never had the
committee, and its fundraising recommending membership fee amounts opportunity to thank. If you include Tucson
success is essential to the and categories to the Board, and to Audubon Society in your estate plans, we
Society’s future. Among the see that the Society is responsive to its hope you will let us know. We value the
events it organizes are the members. The chair of the committee is opportunity to express our gratitude to
people who are committed to the future of
Osprey / Doris Evans
Not-for-profit. For Birds, For Wildlife, and For Your Quality of Life
You, as a member of Tucson Audubon, $350,000, just as significant is your gift of time. We month through automatic credit card payments,
represent our lifeblood. Without your involvement, recognize nearly 350 gifts of time during the year, and they are part of our Frequent Flyer program.
we would have no standing in our community. As a totaling more than 11,000 hours. This translates into The past year has been a great challenge to the
testament to your support, we list here a statement an equivalent of nearly $207,000 based on a value non-profit community. Tucson Audubon shed staff
of your giving to Tucson Audubon for the fiscal of $18.73 that The Independent Sector places on members and reduced costs to help balance our
year that ended on August 30, 2009, and we thank each hour of volunteer time in Arizona. budget. You responded generously when we sent
you for the dollars that you have sent us. We have other things to thank you for. Some out a summer plea for funds. Our board and staff
We also include here a statement of the hours members have told us that we are included in thank you for your belief in our mission, and ask
that you have given to this organization. While their wills, and as such, they are members of the that you continue to support us as you are able in
nearly 1000 cash gifts for the year add up to around Vermilion Society. Some members give each the months ahead. Paul Green
Tucson Audubon thanks and honors our donors for their generous gifts.
$10000 and above Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. Cox Communications Marcee Sherrill
Southern Arizona Paving & Coyote Wore Sideburns Marilyn Snyder
Nancy Bower and
Lindsey Quesinberry Construction IBM International Tice Supplee
Tucson Electric Power Foundation William Taylor
Harvey Lance Estate
Martha and Abbott Taylor
Chris and Doug McVie Pfizer Foundation
$500 to $999 Matching Gifts Dr. Judith Ulreich and
Alice and William Roe Kate Beale and Bob Boehm Dr. John Ulreich
Met Foundation Shawn P. Burke $250 to $499 Rosemary and Elliott Valentine
Pat and Briggs Ackert Nan Stockholm Walden and
$5000 to $9999 Lorene Calder
William Adler
Richard Walden
Linda and Will DeBoer
Melinda F. Irvin Margaret Rendl George A Binney Dorothy Fitch and Bobbie Lambert Ray Sayre
Gary M. Israel Judith Rhymer Conservation John Munier John Lamey Dr. Helen and Dr. John
Foundation Sylvia Foster Diane and Stewart Schaefer
Gayle and Fritz Jandrey Ginny and Dr. Melvin
Roberts Kimberlyn Drew Realtor Maureen Fray Lancaster Michele Schicht
Lenice Johnson Marian and Austin Furman Cynthia and Howard Ginny Seabrook
Carol Rose Excel Printing
Sally H. Johnson Communications Glenn L. Gabanski Lawrence Christina Rabe Seger
Karen and Charles Peter Rosenberg Catherine M. Gale Sherry Lewis and Charles Seniawski
SEABA Jim Logan
Jonaitis Amy and Michael Rule Merrill F. Garretet Bob Shank, Jr.
Howard Lilley
Mary Jo Jones Alpha Alice Russell $50 to $99 Heather and Dustin Garrick
Carolyn and Robert Long
Virginia Shapiro
Ramona L. Jones Jean Russell Donna B. Allen James A Gessaman Herbert H. Sheathelm
Tornie MacKay
Carol and Timothy Keefer Barrie Ryan Linda (Chloe) Alley- Leroy Giles Carol and Randy Shinn
Vivian and Aleck
Patricia Kennedy Joan-Marie Schaefer Sarnack Aaron Golub MacKinnon Dr. Ronnie Sidner
Jim Alrutz Robin L. Gomez Bonnie Macys Todd Silver
Keitha Kinne Elise Schepeler and
William Harrison Becky Aparicio Mary A. Goodman Sonja Macys and Melinda and Irv Simon
Miriam and Ed Kisten Elizabeth A. Goodwin Patricia and Dan Sims
Barbara O. Schneidau Carolyn S Arbiter Charles Willard
Dana Klein Margaret Armbruster Clive Green Sharon Megdal Miriam Smead
Susan Kozacek Dr. Cecil R. Schwalbe Karen and William Griffiths Curtis Smith
Carol and Richard Aronoff Nina and R.W. Merideth
Anne and Edwin Russell Scott Catherine Aspinwall and Denise Griffiths Beth Mitchneck and Lynda Smith
Kreutzmann Mary and John Sedwick Catherine Gioannetti Karin Grillo Paul Carter Dr. Mark M. Stevenson
Carolyn and Paul Farrish and Mark Sharon Eva Baird and Aaron Floyd Theresa Grzyb-Wysocki Diane P. Monnier Daniel Stolte
Kroesen Nathan Shinn Helen Baldwin Elizabeth Guldseth Dorothy and Earl Carol Tepper and
Ilene and Calvin Kunin Jane A Bardin Steve Hagan Montgomery Linda Tepper
Anne and Samuel Janet Moore Edward Tobin, IV
Elizabeth Lawrence and Shivers Laura Barton Barbara Hall and
Matt Griffiths Dee and Bob Bates Richard H. Barber Wendy Moore and Donna Tolbert-Anderson
Nancy Silvis and Dorothee Harmon Rick Brusca Colonia Solana Nancy
Patricia and Wade John Gray Timothy J. Bates
Joan and Richard Becker Betty and Norwood Hazard Lawrence Morgan Tuhey
Leitner Hyatt Simpson and Daryl
Kathy Ben Linda and Tom Headlee Emily and Ted Morrison Jeanne and Raymond M.
Elizabeth and Gene Herman Krista and John Neis Turner
Lightner Rosalie Bennett Susan and Greg Hess
Ellen and Terje Skotheim Joan and Dr. Gary Catherine and David Carl Tuttle
Mariana Livingston Bill Boris
Peggy and John Smith Heymann Newell William M. Tyndall
Elizabeth Bouwens Koehler
Robert C. Martin Janet and Linwood Smith Nathalie and Clint Hinman Hella Nordberg and Margarita Valenzuela
Anne Bowden Alicia Tonnies
Ceil Matson and Ron Holland Linda Vidal
Jana and Joseph W. Beverly and Fred Brink Iris and James Notestine
John Armitage Smith Jim Homewood Lucile Von Sprecken
Larry Brooks Margaret and C.A. Nugent
Dr. Sandra L. Mattson Stella and Phillip Hotchkiss Mary Wallace
Michael Smith Michelle and Nelson Mary-Lou and Stewart
Felicio and Warren May James Brown Jackie and Oscar Joan F. Weaver and
Shirley and Joe Spitler Hunsaker
Palmer Beverly Ginn
Linda Mayro and Mary Lou Splain Ben Builder Sarah and Dr. John D.
Sue Hunt Ellen and Dr. George C.
William Doelle Nicola Builder Palmer West
Toni Chase Stovall Brian Hurd
Rachel McCaffrey Colin Builder Lindsey Panton Judith Whitcomb
Barbara Straub Harvey Burgess Stanley Jacobs Lois Pawlak
Lynn J. McLaughlin Michael Jacobson Jarrell Wicker
Gerry and Jim Sullivan Patty and David Burks Margaret Pearson Karen Wiley and Bill Astle
Barbara and John Therese M. Jezioro and
McLean Gayle and John Rich Burtell Bruce Pheneger Lori Woods
Swarbrick Thomas Hestwood
Linda and Michael Donna and James M. Lorel Picciurro Anita and James
Byers, III Cathleen Johnson
McNulty Diane and Glen Szollosi Robert A. Plane Woodward
Brenda Campanis Freda Johnson
Robert Mesta John F. Tanner Ronald Prasek Ann Youberg Czaja and
Eliza and Kent Campbell Larry L. Johnson
Sarah Prasek and Bob Czaja
Barbara and Pete Miller Joan and John Tedford David Jordan
Lynn Carey and Matt! Brooks Loraine Zagula
Susan and George Roger Tess Harry Peck Marianne and Paul Kaestle Terri and M. Zafar Qureshi Steve Zimmerman
Mitchell Margaret B. Thomas Barbara Carroll Mandy Katz Audrey and Robert Ray Homeowners Assoc.
Robert I. Modica Cynthia Thomssen and Helen and Donald Carson Katherine and Paul Katz Cynthia Reiners Economy Birding
Narca Moore-Craig and Joe Hyde Karen and James Carson Barbara and David Kelly Diana Rhoades Services,Inc.
Alan Craig Carolyn and H. Anton Nancy R. Cary Rita S. Kester Mrs. Glenn S. Richards MasterCard
Lynette Newton and Tucher Katharine W. Cohen Suzette and Edgar King Paul Robbins Tucson Cactus &
Linda Newton Ann and John Leslie Cohen and Scott Knight Dr. William J. Robinson
Succelent Society
Tundermann K. Bharathan Patricia Koch
Carlos Ochoa
Genevieve Tvrdik Louise and Charles Conrad Debra Kornmiller and
Joan Robles
Michael Rosenzweig
Up to $49
Blain Olbert George Campbll
Rita L. Cox Leif Abrell
Anne Olson-Scribner Sylvia Van Gundy Karen Krebbs
Laura and Tom Rubbo
Lynn Crew and Rex Adams
Deborah Vath Jean Rudd
Sarah Otterstrom Aaron Miller Nicole Kredich and Dan Aiken
Joanne W. Von Blon Joanne and Charles Curtis Jamie Brown Dorothy and Stan Russell
Lori Pascarella Dr. Edward H. Alexander
Dan Davis Jinny Kyle Ruth Ogden Russell
Nikki Peters Douglas Vought Barbara Allen
Laura Davis Norma and Abe Lackow Robert D. Sandine
Margaret Petersen Dr. Frances Ann Walker James E. Ambrose, Jr.
Hal Ware Glenda and Tom DeMoss
Charles Pettis Carol des Cognets
Sara and Vincent Pike Carole and L.F. “Swede”
Warneke Susan and Steve Dolan
Laura Pinnas Cynthia Douglas
Richard Warren
Marcia Polley Ann Dursch
White-winged Dove / Paul & Eng-Li Green
Greta Anderson Valerie Cwik Mary E. Hansen Colleen Kyler and Carl W. Paletti
William Anderson Virginia and Daniel Nina Hansen James Hrica Sally and Everett Parker
Ronald A Anderson, Jr. Danieu Sally Hanson Kelly Lacroix Toby Parks
Anne and Ronald Augusta Davis Anne and Alan Harman Renee LaRoi Kathryn and Mike
Anderson, Sr Michael D Dawson Kay Harrell Garvin Larson Pensinger
Valari Andres David J. Day Paula Hartgraves Renetta Larson Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd J.
Robert Andrews Linda De Nomme Patti Hartmann and Diane M Laush Perper
Dr. S.E. Apitz Carol J. de Waard Bruce Plenk Ruth Lawrence Cele Peterson
Tamara Arboit Carrie Dean Patricia Hartshorne Dana Lawson Linda Pfister
Sharon and Max Atwell Eve and Earl Denton Doreen Hedger Jayne Lawson Linda Phelan and
Mort Womack
Diane E. Austin Pat and Michael DeVito Kathleen Heitzmann Graham Lenton
Pam O Phillips
Mary Lee Austin Judith and Fred Dippold Norma and Timothy Sharon and Larry
Helentjaris Levinson Wilma Pinedo
Barbara Baird Linda Dobbyn
Imogene B. Helm Betty Levinson Ellen Plane
Joseph Baker Marilyn Doherty
Carol and Jim Jo Ann E. Lewis Emily Plane
Barbara Baker David Donsker
Hemingway Jean Lewis Bruce M. Plenk
Ardie Baker Dan Dorsey
Elaine Herman Yue Li Mary Ann and Karl
Kerry Baldwin Joan and Donald Dowler, Pogany
Gwen Baluss MD Patricia Higginbotham Rebecca Limas
Susan and W. Richard Cathryn and Martin
Mary Jan Bancroft Kari Driscoll Debra and Lawrence Pokorny
Hildreth Linett
Cynthia Barstad Janet Duberry Jenise and Leslie Porter
Vicki and George Hill Paula W Lipsitz
Dr. Roger A Barthelson William Dupont Carol and Dr. Sholem
Anne and Dr. Schuyler Diana Liverman
Pamela Baum Antonio Durando Hilts Postel
Tim Durnell Kathryn and Bill Lloyd Brian F. Powell
Jennifer L. Becker Jeffry Hipp
Patrick Egan Katherine Locke Virginia Prasek
Manley Begay Harriet and Robert Jane and James Helen Snyder Cynthia L Wicker
Tucson Audubon thanks and honors our volunteers for the gift of their time and skills.
500 hr or more Carol Eagle Sara Pike Irene Kondor Up to 10 hr Sarah Lantz(Reif)
Ries Lindley
Sandy Elers Mary Kay Eiremann Bonnie Pranter Kendall Kroesen Marlys Ackerman Jim Logan
Mary Ellen Flynn Alfred Romero David Labiner Nick Astrauskas
Eng-Li Green Diane Austin
Jesse Lopez
Fabian Mada
Chris McVie Richard Fray Erik Shapiro Sonja Ladouceur Alona Bachi Ed Malais
Julie Gordon Peggy Smith Karen LaFrance Carol Beardmore Martha Martin
250 to 499 hr Andy Hogan Phil Smith Larry Liese
Andy Bennett Paul M. Martin
Charlie Bent
Robert Merideth Linda Berg
Bob McCormick
Joanne Hogan Warren Tisdale Jane Lombardo Karen McWhirter
Liz Payne Diane Berney Elizabeth Meyer
Carolyn Lewis Jane Tisdale Juan Lopez Ray Berney
Cynthia Pruett Sue Minger
David Moll Diane Touret David Louie Alan Blixt Adrian Monquez
Jean Rios Troy Blodgett Elaine Moore
Carlos Ochoa Peggy Wenrick Carol Madeheim Paula Blumer
Herb Trossman Conrad Moore
Erlinda Ochoa John Yerger Neil Markowicz Diego Borquez Anore Newman
David West Molly Bradshaw
Joe Orenstein Nancy McMahon Michael Nicosia
10 to 24 hr Cliff Braun Michelle Ochoa
125 to 249 hr William Roe
Bill Adler
Pat McNiven Matt Brown Estevan Ochotorena
Stephen Buck
Doris Evans Andree Tarby Pinau Merlin Scott Olmstead
Lori Aldecoa Josh Burr Sue Ordway
Jim Hays Martha Wiewel Ed Moll Johnny Casillas Jeremy Papuga
Peggy Alexander Rosie Catalan
Craig Marken Kathy Wingert Shari Montgomery Krya Perry
Kathe Anderson Claire Cayla Alice Peteraulcki
Jeri Ogden Eric Moore Ann Chanecka
25 to 49 hr Walt Anderson Audrey Clark
Wendy Phelps
Kathy Olmstead Brian Nicholas Valerie Phipps
Kati Anderson Mary Andrews Peter Collins Bev Postmus
Karen O’Neil Juan Carlos Ochoa Bea Cooley
Keith Archibald Julie Appletree Clair Postmus
Martha Pille Joanne Oellers John Coons Carol Jean Pry
Sharon Arnold Barbara Bickel Kim Creagan Art Quijada
Tom Rehm Sally Ohanseian Meghan Dennison
Debbie Bartolazzi Daniel Borquez Roger Radd
Barbara Schneidau Michael Pensinger Joy Dingley Ravi Ram
Harvey Beatty Meg Buchanan Steve Dingley
Jessie Shinn Kathryn Pensinger Judy Reed
Matt Brooks Elizabeth Burke Nancy Docherty Mark Riegner
Darlene Smyth Lindsey Quesinberry Russell Duerksen Jean Rigden
Kathie Brown Judy Calvert Johann Duerksen
Adrian Quijada Molly Robison
75 to 124 hr Steve Burk Richard Carlson Ann Durning George Rodriguez
Micah Riegner Kendall Elmer Rick Romea
Larry Abrams Sue Burk Pat Carlson Sandra Engoron-
Andy Robertson March
Brittney Rorex
Lexie Bivings Beth Clark Jean Clark Mike Rosenfeld
Jean Scheibe Abraham Estopellan
Laura Cotter Bill Clark Jeff Corcoran Valentine Royzuco
Aaron Evans
Joe Schwanz Julie Fabre
Suzzette Russi
Fran Cox Jerry Cole Ted Cordery Lia Sansom
Ginny Seabrook Mike Fagan
Shirley Davis Jennifer Cordova Carrie Dean Kay Fagan
Dick Sauer
Leslie Sell Carol Schooler
Cheryl Goodberg Nigel Crook Tara Deck Carlos Figueroa
Rich Schooler
Sharon Sell Gayle Forsythe
Linda Green Cynthia Dominguez Patty Denison Cassie Frantz
Jonathan Seely
Kevin Smith Susan Sferra
Liz Harrison Sue Drown Jim Douthit Charles Freeman
Sandy Shepard
Janine Spencer Santiago Galvis
Tim Helentjaris Dave Dunford Ginny Dunn Birgitta Gaud
Hyatt Simpson
Ann Steffler Priya Singh
Jean Hengesbaugh Marjorie Eckman Michael Evans Bob Gessner
Carol Tepper Mike Smith
Susan Gilbert
Mark Hengesbaugh Lainie Epstein Stacy Fischer Deborah Green
Pete Sockness
Audrey Toepper Andy Sorensen
Karen Hochgraf Craig Gordon Kelly Fleming Randy Grohman
Carl Tomoff Martin Sperry
Felipe Guerrero
Jan Labiner Bill Grossi Sylvia Foster Patricia Sperry
Octavio Ulloa Mary Hanley
Vivian Mackinnon Ned Harris John Higgins Mea Stees
Michael Hanley
Rebeca Valenzuela Karen Stucke
Maggie Pearson Elizabeth Harding
Norma Jenkins Jutta Holzhaus Christine Sylvester
Deborah Vath David Harwood
Lorel Picciuro Philip Kline Mac Hudson Claire Turner
Cat Hayden
Tim Wernette Daryl Herman
Jose Valenzuela
Linda Stitzer Cathy Koehler Rob Hunt
Pyrrhuloxia / Richard Fray
Robert Payne
Mich Coker
C opper
progressive companies when you need a service. is located next to the San Pedro Riparian National News 4 by the “Green Team” reporter for our
Conservation Area (SPRNCA) on ten acres with water conservation efforts and our tree- and shrub-
Sterling
*New member
easy access to the San Pedro River, which offers planting program. § With all of these continuing
Adventure Birding Company excellent birding. The property also has a number efforts, we felt that a next logical step would be
• 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com
of feeders on it to make birding easy and enjoyable to join the Audubon Society whose overall goals
Nature Treks & Passages year-round. § The bed and breakfast has 10 guest and vision so closely complement those of our
• 781-789-8127 • naturetreks.net
rooms, all with private entrance and private bath community. § We are proud to be a member of the
Rancho Esmeralda • 326-9686 and individual thermostats for your comfort. A full Tucson Audubon Society. Board of Directors, El
• www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com breakfast is served each day and early breakfasts Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association, Inc.
Solipaso Tours • www.solipaso.com are available to accommodate birders. Fresh
Tropical Birding • 800-348-5941 pies and cookies are available in the afternoon. FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS Are you on a path
• www.tropicalbirding.com Dinners are available certain times of the year, to financial independence? When planning for
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours or for groups of 6 or more with advance notice. your financial future you want to enlist the help of
• 800-328-VENT • www.ventbirds.com The common areas offer plenty of room to visit professionals you can trust. At Financial Architects,
with other birders or spend quiet time updating Certified Financial Planners™ James P. Walker
Silver
your birdlist. § Our Barn Owl box has had a family and Brienne L. Dylewski are committed to helping
The Oasis at Way Out West in it the last three years. A bat house, made to individuals and businesses build financial futures
• 520-825-4590 • www.wowarizona.com
house up to 6,000 bats, can be quite a sight in that meet their personal and professional goals. As
Snell & Wilmer • www.swlaw.com the early spring when over 400 bats have flown independent planners, they are truly able to work
Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com out searching for bugs. It is not unusual to see in the best interest of their clients on everything
Copper Lesser Night Hawks circling our fields, bats leaving from retirement planning to wealth management
their box, and Barn Owls taking flight during the to college savings. In business for more than 35
Bed & Bagels of Tucson • 520-760-5595
mid-evening starting in early May. § The grounds years, Financial Architects enjoys a solid reputation
Lou Benson Construction are constantly being improved with drought- for providing expert financial advice and investment
Borderland Tours • 800-525-7753 tolerant plants that attract birds and butterflies. We and insurance services to help clients reduce
Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868 welcome birders to visit us and experience birding taxes and achieve financial independence. §
Buffalo Exchange • 520-795-0508 at our bed and breakfast, and if you would like to If you would like to schedule a complimentary
*Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM • 877-577-2275 stay a night or two, we would be most happy to appointment please call 884-7550. Partial list
Casa de San Pedro B&B • www.bedandbirds.com host you. www.bedandbirds.com. of Services & Products: Business Retirement
Plans, Business Insurance Planning, Employee
Coyote Wore Sideburns • 520-623-7341
El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Benefit Planning, Estate Planning, Private
Desert Toyota of Tucson • 520-296-8535 Association, Inc. El Conquistador Resort Portfolio Management, Mutual Funds, Annuities,
Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441 Patio Homes consists of 192 residences which 529 College Savings Plans and Long-Term
Economy Birding Services • 520-762-3201 border the golf course of the Hilton El Conquistador Care Insurance. Ph: 884-7550. Website: www.
*El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association Resort in Oro Valley. § Beginning in mid 2007, financial-architects.com. § Securities and advisory
*Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com the Association embarked on a three-year capital services through KMS Financial Services, Inc.
Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677 improvement /infrastructure renewal program.
By the end of this program, over $480,000 will The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Against
Greenfire Ecological Landscaping • 520-429-7306
have been invested in this program including the the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Catalina
Heartstone Mountain Ranch • 877-562-2955 planting of 250 new trees and over 1,000 new Mountains, nestled in the foothills of this pristine
Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341 plants/shrubs. § Following the guidance of our setting is the perfect vacation destination, the
Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408 consulting Landscape Designer, Greg Corman, Lodge at Ventana Canyon. With just 50 spacious
Lori Pascarella, Financial Consultant • 520-747-6167 all of the new tree and plant species are native guest suites located within the gates of a private
Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146 to the Sonoran Desert and follow the principles club, The Lodge offers a unique and intimate
P2 Preparedness • 520-971-5971 of xeriscape landscaping. Three of the larger vacation experience. Be a member for a day
Rancho De La Osa • 800-872-6240 common areas were designated as “The Bird or lifetime. § The Lodge offers every leisure
Garden,” “The Butterfly Garden” and the “Lizards activity you could possibly want. Heading the list
Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425
Lair,” with the installation of appropriate new of attractions are the two world-renowned Tom
RockJumper Birding Tours • www.rockjumper.co.za plantings and benches. § Other major components Fazio-designed golf courses, which will captivate
Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466 of the capital program were a totally new irrigation your imagination as they wend their way through
Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121 system, a major physical upgrade to the roads, and the scenic foothills at the base of the Santa
Sundance Press • 800-528-4827 a complete new installation of decorative rock for Catalinas. Couple this with a world-class tennis
TyrannoTours • 520-577-6546 the entire community. § One of the most gratifying program managed by Peter Burwash International,
*The Lodge at Ventana Canyon results from these investments and management a spacious swimming facility, fitness center, a
efforts is the reduction of three million gallons of spa with room service, and dining facilities with
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson • 520-795-9955
irrigation water consumed in a two-year period as eclectic menus designed to meet every taste. §
Wild Birds Unlimited • 520-878-9585 compared to the prior two years. § The reduction The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is a four-diamond
Visit www.tucsonaudubon.org for more in the consumption of potable irrigation water was golf and tennis resort destination, voted #35 by
information about our Birds & Business Alliance recognized by the town of Oro Valley in the town’s Conde Nast Travelers Readers Poll of the top 100
members, including links to their websites. Monthly Magazine, Vista. The community was also golf resorts. Come and visit this Tucson classic. VF
Signature
Please send your application with payment to
Tucson Audubon Society,
300 E. University Blvd, #120,
Tucson, AZ 85705
(Attn: Jean Barchman,
Membership Coordinator)
OR join, renew or donate online at
www.tucsonaudubon.org
through payroll deduction for employees who see in our store from Wild Delight brand:
feeding and creating a better habitat for birds,
work for the City of Tucson and Pima County
please stop by our store and pick up an Enjoying Black Oil Sunflower Seed—Just about every
through the Employees Combined Appeal
Wild Birds (ECAP).
Program Designatebrochure.
in Your Backyard our number, seed-eating bird enjoys black oil sunflower, Tucson Audubon
#1434, as your recipient and your gifts will especially Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, and
Nature Shops
go to Tucson Audubon; it’s just that easy! House Finch. 7# bag—$15.99
Annual BlackeFriday and
Many other companies offer an employee Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Chickadee Food—
When you support your local Tucson
Saturday Sal
matching gift program where they match (some This is a hearty blend of seed including sunflower,
Audubon Society you are supporting birds
and bird habitat conservation. Thank you!
even triple!) employee 15% off
charitable contributions.
Frid ay, November 27th and coffee peanuts, pistachios, and pumpkin, as well as dried
Many will do so even 28t if you are retired.ics,
opt Check
Sat urd ay, November h and seed* cranberries, apples and papaya. Gila Woodpeckers SHOP HOURS
with your employer for more information.
20% off all will enjoy this mix, and quite
Plus a T-shirt
BASHAS’
blowout and
“SHOP &s!GIVE”
Main Shop
bin oth er items* possibly a Cactus Wren, too! Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm,
price sale
singletime
Next you’re in Bashas’ simply link 5# bag—$14.99 except Monday & Thursday until 5 pm
your business,
t local“Thank
Bashas’ You” portto Tucson
supcard
Suppor Phone: 629-0510
We ’ll see there!and
you27286, Deck, Porch N’ Patio ®
Audubon
Tucson Aud ubon! ID number,
Society’s On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue.
from September 1, 2008, through March 31, mix—This is a zero-waste bird
d on in-stock items only
goopercent
*Saleone seed mix. All of the nuts and Agua Caliente Park Shop
2009, of what you spend will be
seeds are hulled, allowing the October–February: Thursday, Friday & Saturday,
donated by Bashas’ to Tucson Audubon.
9 am–3:30 pm
birds to easily eat the seed and
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER Phone: 760-7881
keeping you free from cleaning From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on
Legislation has been extended retroactive to up opened shells. All songbirds go for this blend. Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail,
2008 and 2009. During 2008 and 2009, holders Expect to see Northern Cardinal, quails, grosbeaks continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd,
of traditional IRAs who are at least 70½ years and finches among others. 5# bag—$15.99
continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north).
old can transfer up to $100,000 per year
Wake up with the Birds Thursday 8:00 am:
directly to charity — bypassing income tax. The Also available in our Nature Shop are various
Loaner binoculars available, meet in front of the ranch
extension comes as part of the Emergency bird-seed feeder types, including feeders made house. For more information call Pima County Parks
Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and enables from recycled plastic. You can take your pick and Rec. 615-7855 or email eeducation@pima.gov.
Sara Pike
Americans to give to the causes they care about. from a tube-style feeder, hopper or wire mesh, or For permit requests and general information about
park rules and regulations call 749-3718
window feeder.
30 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher November–December 2009
BOOKENDS
interest not only nature lovers with field guides Disconcerting to some users will be the fact that
in their backpacks, but also horticulturists and for most species there is no illustration of the entire
backyard gardeners. Each species description tree, just the individual diagnostic parts (leaves,
gives zones in which the tree can survive—in case fruit, bark, etc.).
you are wondering if there is a niche for a Joshua How does it hold up for trees in southeast
tree in your back yard. Arizona? The guide seems to have good
Along with native trees, the guide covers lots of coverage—virtually all the local native trees are
introduced species. Range maps for each species in here, from Apache pine to Arizona madrone to
seem to be comprehensive, showing both the screwbean mesquite. There are some exceptions.
natural range of a native tree and areas where they Not surprisingly, extremely rare natives like
have been introduced. Bursera are excluded. A short description of the
With a field guide I usually skip right to the genus Sambucus isn’t enough for you to identify
species descriptions, but it’s worth reading the Mexican elderberry to species, though it should
introductory material in this case. Sibley discusses get you to “elderberry.” A very common, introduced
what counts as a tree (Joshua tree apparently species—African sumac (Rhus lancea)—is
ID Your Tree
does) and how to make field observations. nowhere to be seen. As in any guide, there are
The Sibley Guide to Trees
For those who are interested, there’s a good questionable details—the illustration of velvet
David Allen Sibley. 2009. New York: Knopf
introduction to descriptive botany and taxonomy. mesquite pods looks far too purplish.
ISBN: 978-0-375-41519-7-4261
Now to the critical question: Can you actually This seems like a good addition to the growing
David Sibley’s new guide to trees is a bit large and identify trees using the system in this book? array of field guides. Compare this guide to other
expensive for a field guide (9.5 inches tall, an inch Sibley makes the point that no single “field mark” tree guides available in our nature shop and make
thick, 2.25 lbs., $39.95). On the other hand, there (leaf shape, bark texture, etc.) alone is enough your own decision. If you already have a backpack
are a lot of trees out there. Sibley describes 668 to identify a tree—at least in most cases. So the full of heavy guides, you might want to leave this
of them. guide describes, and often illustrates, several key one at home and learn to make notes and sketches
One of the first things you will notice is the diagnostic characteristics for each species. Be in the field. I think Sibley would be okay with that.
handsome map of USDA hardiness zones just aware that it may be difficult to identify a tree that Kendall Kroesen
inside the front cover. Sibley is attempting to has no fruits or flowers, or that has lost its leaves.
Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban ecology, but also how to relate this ecology to
Wilderness philosophy and everyday thinking about global
Lyanda Lynn Haupt. 2009 issues. In the book we see the journey crows take
Little, Brown and Company between life and death, and how we should relate
ISBN 0316019100 to these concepts in our own lives.
240 pages. Hardcover Haupt brings up a topic about which I have
strong feelings. There seems to be a void in the
Haupt has written a much-needed book for today’s lives of our children regarding nature. It seems that
busy lifestyle. We all hear about nature and how young folk would rather stay indoors and fiddle
we need to respect it, but often we don’t know how, with electronic devices than venture outside and
or even where, to begin. Haupt tackles this problem poke around in shrubbery and trees or lift rocks to
by simply focusing on one animal, the crow. It’s discover the small worlds underneath. My daughter
a bird familiar to most people and easy to spot, is two years old and is allowed, under supervision
unlike most songbirds that stay in the trees and of course, to freely explore nature. As we pull
are hard to study. Crows are out in the open and, weeds in the back yard, or work in the garden, she
being members of the corvid family, are intelligent observes insects and toads, and I teach her that
and lively. Crows and other corvids are problem- these things are alive and interesting. With this sort space for it … and realize that our participation
solvers; they enjoy manipulating items and seem to of exposure at a young age, I hope she will grow has value.” Haupt explains that this is grown-up
think about what they are doing. up to be an optimistic steward of the planet, doing optimism, “where our bondedness with the rest of
Haupt uses the crow as a communication her part to give nature the respect it deserves. creation, a sense of profound interaction, and a
tool to open the reader to the world of nature and Haupt concludes with a meaningful thought. belief in our shared ingenuity, [all] give meaning to
observation. The book is filled with interesting Instead of being wholeheartedly melancholy over our lives and actions on behalf of the more-than-
stories about crows, and is solid with information the ecological state of the earth, she chose to dwell human world.” VF
on crow behavior, ecology, and general biology. in possibility, as Emily Dickinson suggested: “… Howard Clark Editor, Fresno Audubon
Haupt has done her homework, not just on crow we cannot predict what will happen but we make
When you need a book, think of Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! Support your local book store. 520-623-3476
Vermilion Flycatcher
Volume 54, Number 6 November–December 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.
richard fray
A no-host cocktail hour and silent auction
will precede dinner. Robert Glennon, author
of Unquenchable, will be the guest speaker.
Chuck George, weather newscaster and
meteorologist for Channel 13-KOLD, will MC.
Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates • See page 9 for Living with Nature / Membership Meeting details
32 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher November–December 2009