Volume 51, Number 3 November 2006 Tucson Audubon Society www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949 ISSN 1094-9909 Inside this issue Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthly except for combined May-June, July-August, and December-January issues. For address changes or subscription problems call 629.0757, or write to Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E. University Blvd., #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions for the December-January issue are due Nov. 1. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at [email protected]. Coordinator, Matt Griffiths 206-9900 Proofreaders, Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 Layout Editor, Julie St. John Monday, November 13, 7p.m. DuVal Auditorium at University Medical Center Ed Moll and his brother, Don, have long been fascinated with river turtles and the flowing waters where they live. Between them they have visited the majority of the major river systems in the Americas and Asia, both to study and to save these giant chelonians. Ed and Don have coauthored a book on their experiences titled The Ecology, Exploitation and Conservation of River Turtles, recently published by Oxford University Press. This presentation is based on the book. River turtles are diverse and truly beautiful animals, some with finely chiseled ornate shells, while others sport gaudy colors, and yet others have flattened leathery shells and proboscis-like snouts. In this presentation, Ed will introduce the world’s river turtles, describing the extensive exploitation and habitat destruction that has endangered the majority of the species, and discuss what is being done and still needs to be done to protect these remarkable animals for future generations. Ed Moll is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Illinois University and an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona. He is a naturalist/docent at the Mason Audubon Center, Tohono Chul Park, and the Patagonia/Sonoita Creek Preserve. He is currently the co-chairman of the Speaker’s Bureau for the Tucson Herpetological Society and is the recent recipient of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (ICUN) Behler Award, a new and major award to honor leadership and excellence in the field of turtle and tortoise conservation. Please join us for this very special presentation. VF Tucson Membership Meeting REQUIEM FOR THE RIVER GIANTS — A GLOBAL HISTORY OF RIVER TURTLES AND THEIR DECLINE 6 Audubon Afield 10 Audubon Shop News 3 Bashas’: Thanks a Million! 14 Bats & Hummingbird Feeders 4 Calendar of Events 15 Citizen Stewardship 2 Director’s Perch 12 Education News 8 Fieldtrips in November 13 Mason Center News 19 Membership Form 5 Nov. Meeting in Green Valley 3 President’s Message 7 Restoration at Audubon 18 Thanks 16 Travel Opportunities 15 Tucson Area Birding 14 Urban Birds/Aves Urbanas 7 Volunteer Opportunities 17 Who to Contact 18 Wishes River Terrapin (Batagur baska) from Malaysia. Photo courtesy Ed Moll. Ed Moll holding Chitra indica, a narrow- headed softshell from India. Photo courtesy Ed Moll. See meeting directions & map on page 19 See page 4 for details
Transcript
Volume 51, Number 3 November 2006
Tucson Audubon Society www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949
I S S N 1 0 9 4 - 9 9 0 9
Inside this issue
VermilionFlycatcher
The Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthlyexcept for combined May-June, July-August, andDecember-January issues. For address changes orsubscription problems call 629.0757, or write toMembership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E.University Blvd., #120, Tucson, AZ 85705.Submissions for the December-January issue aredue Nov. 1. Please send submissions as MicrosoftWord or RTF documents, or plain text files, to MattGriffiths at [email protected].
Coordinator, Matt Griffiths 206-9900Proofreaders, Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139
Layout Editor, Julie St. John
Monday, November 13, 7p.m.DuVal Auditorium at University Medical Center
Ed Moll and his brother, Don, havelong been fascinated with river turtlesand the flowing waters where they live.Between them they have visited themajority of the major river systems inthe Americas and Asia, both to studyand to save these giant chelonians. Edand Don have coauthored a book ontheir experiences titled The Ecology,Exploitation and Conservation of RiverTurtles, recently published by OxfordUniversity Press. Thispresentation is based on thebook.
River turtles are diverse andtruly beautiful animals, somewith finely chiseled ornateshells, while others sport gaudycolors, and yet others haveflattened leathery shells andproboscis-like snouts. In thispresentation, Ed will introducethe world’s river turtles,describing the extensiveexploitation and habitatdestruction that has endangeredthe majority of the species, anddiscuss what is being done andstill needs to be done to protect theseremarkable animals for future generations.
Ed Moll is Professor Emeritus atEastern Illinois University and anadjunct professor at the Universityof Arizona. He is anaturalist/docent at the MasonAudubon Center, Tohono ChulPark, and the Patagonia/SonoitaCreek Preserve. He is currently theco-chairman of the Speaker’sBureau for the TucsonHerpetological Society and is therecent recipient of theInternational Union for theConservation of Nature andNatural Resources (ICUN) BehlerAward, a new and major award tohonor leadership and excellence in
the field of turtle and tortoise conservation.Please join us for this very specialpresentation.
VF
Tucson Membership Meeting
REQUIEM FOR THE RIVER GIANTS —A GLOBAL HISTORY OF RIVER TURTLES
AND THEIR DECLINE
6 Audubon Afield10 Audubon Shop News3 Bashas’: Thanks a Million!
14 Bats & Hummingbird Feeders4 Calendar of Events
15 Citizen Stewardship2 Director’s Perch
12 Education News8 Fieldtrips in November
13 Mason Center News19 Membership Form5 Nov. Meeting in Green Valley3 President’s Message7 Restoration at Audubon
River Terrapin (Batagur baska) from Malaysia. Photocourtesy Ed Moll.
Ed Moll holding Chitraindica, a narrow-headed softshell fromIndia. Photo courtesyEd Moll.
See meeting directions & map on page 19
See page 4for details
In September 2006, I completed five yearsas Tucson Audubon’s Executive Director. Ilike to say that my arrival was a birthdaygift to my friend and partner in“environment-saving crime,” CarolynCampbell. But in fact it was dumb luck. Istumbled across one of the nation’s largestand most effective Audubon Chapters byaccident, while searching for a job where Icould put my energy, enthusiasm andlimited talents to work.
Of course, the rest is history.
A part of me hesitates to go through thelaundry list of things we’ve done since I’vebeen here. I was, after all, brought upSouthern. On the other hand, your supportand your contributions have been socritical. We should all pat ourselves on theback!
We’ve included Tucson Audubon in ourwills. The Audubon Chapter I found wasstrong thanks to people who hadconsidered us in their wills. They gave, indeath, to a cause that had represented themin life. And that is powerful. Over mytenure I have had the privilege to meetthose people’s families and friends and allare a part of Tucson Audubon’s family andour collective history.
As well, I have met individuals, like Dr.John Madden, who share a vision where allTucson residents are engaged stewards ofthis planet. And I’ve been honored to workwith those individuals to be sure theirlegacy helps us get there. Working withfamilies, like the family of William A.Calder III, we’ve created a legacy befittingof their names and their continuedcommitment to the birds. I am never morehumbled than when I think of the honor Ihave lived, connecting family andmemorial gift.
The Vermilion Society that we have createdhas honored many and has provided us theopportunity to know people and learnabout their wishes well in advance of theirdeath. The experience, and its fruits havebeen a gift to us.
But what gift have we given the birds andother wildlife we seek to protect? Through
partnerships withother non-profitorganizations,voters, and PimaCounty, we’veprotected tens ofthousands of acresof open space. Andwe continue tomanage nearly athousand acres ofland, working torestore habitat,connect the public to natural areas, andshare the wonders of recreational birdwatching.
In the past five years, we’ve added 307 acresto Tucson Audubon’s holdings, coveringriparian areas in Santa Cruz County andon Sabino Creek. And every new landholding creates a new jurisdictionalpartnership and partnerships with otherlandowners. Shoulder to shoulder we sharethe burden of conservation.
I’ve always believed that part of our uniqueappeal is people power. Sheer numbers ofTucson Audubon members are impressive.But when you consider active volunteers,nearly one-fifth of you are the backbone ofthe organization, at any given time. Manyof you are Tucson Audubon’s face to thepublic. Our field trip leaders and natureshop volunteers connect thousands ofpeople each year to the wonders of nature.
Oh yes, and by the way, another successstory? Agua Caliente Park! Have you beento our Nature Shop there? Ought to go! Iknow for some of you it is O.P. (out of theperimeter) but the birding is spectacular,the Shop clever, and you can connect to anew set of volunteers!
Not the joining type? That is fine. We havesomething for you too. Hop online andpurchase your own Finding Birds inSoutheast Arizona. Published by us and foryou, the 6th edition has been so successful;we’re nearing a completion on a newedition!
Our hard work has not been missed by thecommunity. As our President mentioned inher last column, I was humbled to be
Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving the quality of
the environment by providing education,conservation, and recreation programs,
environmental leadership, and information.Tucson Audubon is a non-profit volunteer
organization of people with a commoninterest in birding and natural history.
Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a libraryand nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of
which benefit all of its programs.
Tucson Audubon Society300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705
629.0510 (voice) or 623.3476 (fax)All phone numbers use the 520 area code
www.tucsonaudubon.org
Board Officers & CommitteesMessages 622.5622
President Susan RandolphVice President Chris McVieSecretary Julia GordonTreasurer Barbara HeinemanConservation Chris McVieEducation Doris EvansDevelopment Susan RandolphNominating Robert MeridethCommunity Presence Janet HareFinance Barbara Heineman
Additional Directors at Large: Clark Blake, Mich Coker,Don Eagle, Sandy Elers, Julia Gordon, Janet Hare,Lisa Harris, Craig Marken, Robert Mesta, Bill Roe,Herb Trossman, Bob Wenrick
Programs & ActivitiesField Trips Darlene Smyth 297.2315Library David West/Peggy Smith 629.0510Mailing Gerald Sweeney 326.3701Membership Meetings Vivian MacKinnon 629.0757Rare Bird Alert Keith Kamper 798.1005Report Rare Birds 798.1005
StaffExecutive Director Sonja Macys 622.5622Operations Manager Michael Monyak 629.0757Bookkeeper Jeff Burrows 629.0757Education Program Manager Carrie Dean 622.2230Membership Coordinator Vivian MacKinnon 629.0757Administrative Assistant Mandy Katz 622.5622IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor 628.1730Restoration Program Mgr. Kendall Kroesen 206.9900Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256.6909Restoration Specialist Matthew Griffiths 206.9900Mason Outreach Assistant Lia Sansom 744.0004University Shop Manager Sara Pike 622.2230Assistant Shop Manager Heather Hatch 622.2230Agua Caliente Shop Mgr. Becky Aparicio 706.7881
Nature ShopsAudubon Nature Shop
300 E. University Blvd. #120 629.0510Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10a.m.–4p.m.
Tucson Audubon at Agua CalienteRoy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Park12325 E. Roger Rd. 760.7881Hours: Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, 9:30a.m.–3:30p.m.
2 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
continued
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 3
nominated for a 40 under 40 award. Mostimportantly, I was one of the few environmentalfolks honored amongst a group of businessleaders. But Tucson Audubon was alsonominated for an Achievement Award by theCommunity Foundation for Southern Arizonafor our outstanding work in habitat restoration.It is truly a tribute the Ann Phillips and theteam she helped build during her five yearshere.
As with all good things, time brings change. Iam thrilled to announce that we’ll soon belooking for someone to fill my shoes. Reflectingback on all that we’ve accomplished has been apleasure. But thinking about all that we can stillbe is even more exciting!
Over the coming months I’ll be winding downas Executive Director, leaving that future canvasfor someone else to paint. And I’ll be movingon to explore exciting new opportunities andpossibilities. I continue to believe that theAudubon Movement can be the nation’s leaderin conservation. And I’ll continue to work tomake that happen, just not from this Perchmuch longer. This is not goodbye, only a hint ofwhat is next to come for our beloved TucsonAudubon. Thanks for your support!
VF
As the autumn air signals a time of transition, mymessage this month is about a transition for TucsonAudubon.
For the past five years, Sonja Macys has led ourorganization, as its executive director, through a periodof renewal, growth, and professionalism. TucsonAudubon reached a level of community service inconservation, education, and recreation unprecedentedin our 57-year history.
Sonja has a unique talent in being able to motivate andguide an array of staff, board members, volunteers,donors, and other supporters. Through her skills, energy,charisma, and savvy, Tucson Audubon has developed arange of highly-regarded educational programs,undertaken significant conservation and restorationprojects, and expanded and solidified our connections tothe environment and people of southern Arizona.
But, as I said, this is now a time of transition — for usand for Sonja. After nearly half a decade of dedicated
service, Sonja will be stepping down asexecutive director.
To ensure a smooth transition, the board ofdirectors has established an ad hoc committee,chaired by board members Bob Wenrick andMich Coker, to undertake the search for a newexecutive director. The committee has begunthe process and aims to fill the position byMarch 2007.
In the meantime, Sonja will work with boardmembers, staff, and volunteers to enable TucsonAudubon to continue to provide the types and quality ofservices and opportunities upon which so many in ourcommunity rely.
And, during the next few months, I hope you will takethe opportunity to join me in extending to Sonja oursincere appreciation and best wishes as she makes thetransition to her “next best place.”
VF
Support Tucson Audubon byShopping at Bashas’Tucson Audubon has joined the Bashas’ THANKS AMILLION for Friends and Neighbors program,where raising money is as easy as groceryshopping! THANKS A MILLION is a hassle-free fundraiser where Bashas’will donate 1 percent of sales linked to Tucson Audubon, up to a $2,500donation.
THANKS A MILLION will run September 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.The first time you shop at Bashas’, please ask the cashier to link TucsonAudubon’s ID number to your Bashas’ Thank You Card. That ID number is27286. It’s as simple as that!
So, start shopping and helping to contribute to Tucson Audubon’songoing leadership in conservation and education programs.
Join Tucson Audubon!
Benefits of membership:3 All funds are used locally!3 Organizational overhead is low3 Subscription to Vermilion
Flycatcher3 10% discount in our Nature Shops3 Conservation bulletins by email3 Monthly membership meetings
One hundred percent of“Friends” membership duessupport Tucson Audubon’sgoals of protecting habitat,educating about theenvironment, and supportingbirding in southeast Arizona.To become a member ordonate, see page 19 or visitwww.tucsonaudubon.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 8:30–10:30A.M.
Mason Audubon Center Public Tour:InterrelationshipsLearn how the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert dependon each other. A walk on our half-mile trail will follow a brieflecture. Call Lia at 744-0004 for reservations.
NOVEMBER 7, 9, 14, AND 16, 6:30–9P.M.
Photoshop Class for Nature Enthusiasts, CS/CS2EmphasisImprove your nature photos by joining Tucson Audubon Societyfor this Photoshop class designed for nature/bird photographers.For information, contact Carrie Dean at [email protected] or622.2230.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AND SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 8–10A.M.
Mason Audubon Center Beginning Bird WalksFirst-time birder? New to the Sonoran Desert? Learn the basics ofbirding and how to identify the common birds found in our area.Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and binoculars—or borrow a pairfrom us. No reservations required, but call 744-0004 if you needdirections.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 8–10A.M.
Mason Center Yard SaleA great way to start your holiday shopping! If you are interested indonating items to this sale, please see page 13 for details.
Save the date! The annual Holiday Potluck Dinner is scheduled forDecember 13th in the newly renovated auditorium of historic YWCA building, the very same building
our University Blvd. Nature Shop is located in.Shop till you Drop, Good Food, Good Times
and more, hope to see you there!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 8:30P.M.
Friends of Agua Caliente Park FundraiserMark your calendar for fun by reserving your seats for “Christmasin the Big Apple” at the gaslight theater. For more informationabout this event email the Friends of Agua Caliente [email protected] and include Christmas Show Reservation in thesubject.
4 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
12th Annual Permaculture Design CourseTaught by Dan Dorsey andinstructors from the SonoranPermaculture Guild, Spring 2007
The Permaculture Design Courseleads to a certificate and covers allaspects of sustainable design, with anemphasis on Southwestern dry lands.It includes hands-on experience,classroom time, and a designpracticum. Dynamic exercisesencourage pattern recognition,helping you see the links betweenplants and animals, climate, and
landforms that make up ecosystems. These patterns are thebasis of sustainable design. The course focuses on dry-landcommunities and addresses individual site and neighborhood“problems” such as storm water flooding. The course runs fiveweekends in February and March, 9:30a.m. to 5:30p.m. eachday. The cost is $650, or $595 for early registration (byDecember 15th). There is also a fee of $25 for the required classbook. For the last three years the course has been completelyfull, so register early. To give a high quality educationalexperience, class size is limited to fifteen participants. Toregister and for more information, contact Dan Dorsey,520.624.8030 or [email protected].
www.sonoranpermaculture.org
Raptor Days at Arizona-Sonora DesertMuseumMeet the Museum's birds of prey, watch trainers condition thebirds for flight demonstrations, and play raptor games for kidsof all ages! This fun-filled weekend is designed to teach aboutpredator/prey relationships, raptor behavior, and conservation.November 11–12, 8a.m.–5p.m., 2021 N. Kinney Road. For moreinformation: www.desertmuseum.org or 520.883.1380.
Free Birding Field Trip with Rick Wright,American Birding AssociationThe American Birding Association is sponsoring a free birdwalkfrom 8 to 10a.m. on Saturday, November 11. New birders,potential birders, and families with young birders are especiallywelcome on this trip, which will visit Tucson’s Fort Lowell Parkin search of desert birds. The walk will be led by Rick Wright,the ABA’s regional membership coordinator for Arizona. TheAmerican Birding Association (americanbirding.org) is NorthAmerica’s premier birdwatching organization, offering itsmembers and the community at large a wide range ofpublications, educational opportunities, conferences, andconventions. There is no fee for this field trip, which will departpromptly at 8am from the parking lot at Fort Lowell Park, 2900North Craycroft Road. Bring water and a snack, and dress forthe weather. Plan to walk approximately one mile. Binocularswill be helpful. For more information, email [email protected].
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 5
BuenosAiresNationalWildlifeRefuge
Friends of BANWR Annual Meeting with Special Guest David YetmanSaturday, November 4, 1p.m. at Buenos Aires National WildlifeRefuge
Join Refuge Manager, Mitch Ellis, as he describes the years'events at Buenos Aires NWR. Then, the Friends are pleased tohost David Yetman, as he presents "Behind the Scenes at TheDesert Speaks." The Friends annual meeting will also featurethe unveiling of limited edition prints featuring the MaskedBobwhite (above). The signed and numbered prints featureBonnie Swarbrick's original painting of a male MaskedBobwhite, with a background of grassland habitat flanked bythe Baboquivari Mountains. Bonnie directs public programs atBuenos Aires NWR, and she is known to Tucson AudubonSociety members through her bird paintings commissioned forTAS greeting cards. Persons interested in the purchase of aprint can call Refuge Headquarters at 520.823.4251, ext. 116.
Holiday workshop:The Soul of Art is NatureNovember 18, 2p.m. – November 19, 2p.m. Explore the beautyand fun of marbleing. This technique involves floating colorsin a tray of liquid, swirling with utensils and dipping paper,fabric and/or objects into the liquid. We will also usecoyote/buffalo gourds to create beautiful ornaments,decorating these treasures through painting, burning andeggshell mosaics. Participants may also work on sketching orwatercolor painting of the landscape and botanical studies.Instructor Peggy Kane works in many mediums includingwatercolor, oil, acrylics and ceramics. $78 ($68 for Friends ofBANWR members) plus $10 materials fee includes workshop,lodging and three meals. For more information, contact MegKeoppen at [email protected] or 520.398.2065.
Baboquivari:Origins, mythology & historySaturday, December 2, 2 p.m. – Sunday, December 3, 2 p.m.Learn about the geological origins, history and mythology ofthe Baboquivari Mountains during this overnight workshop.Leaders are Richard Conway, Ph.D., a retired geology professor,and Mary Scott, M.A., J.D., bird photographer andcreator/keeper of the Desert Light Labyrinth in Arivaca. $78($68 for Friends of BANWR members). Fee includesworkshop, lodging, and three meals. For more information,contact Meg Keoppen at [email protected] or520.398.2065.
Green Valley Membership MeetingSaturday, November 18, 10a.m.Green Valley Public Library(arrive at 9:30a.m. for coffee and cookies)
SANTA CRUZ RIVER HERITAGE AREA
& THE JUAN BAUTISTA DE ANZA TRAIL
Join Larry Marshall for a multimedia presentation on theHeritage Area and the Anza Trail. The Santa Cruz Valley is aunique and diverse watershed in the southwestern United Statesthat encompasses a mosaic of cultures and history. Livingtogether in this region are a Native American tribe with rootsback to prehistoric times; the descendants of Spanish ancestorswho colonized the valley in the late 1600s; Mexican families whosettled the area before the 1854 Gadsden Purchase made it partof the United States; and current generations of late nineteenthcentury American pioneers who ventured into this borderlandseeking new beginnings. The abundance of well-preservedhistoric and archaeological resources associated with this richmulticultural history—in conjunction with spectacular natural,scenic, and outdoor recreational resources—make this regionwell-suited for designation as a National Heritage Area.
Come learn what a National Heritage Area is and how itsdesignation will benefit the economy and ecology of the region.The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, stretching for1200 miles from Nogales, AZ to the San Francisco Bay area,forms a part of the proposed heritage area. An introductoryvideo, describing the Anza Expedition, will be presented at themeeting.
DirectionsGreen Valley: The public library is at 601 N. La Canada. FromI-19 take exit #69, Duvall Mine Rd., go west to Duvall Rd., goleft on La Canada, right on Desert Bell Rd. Go 1⁄2 block, turnleft and stay left for the library.
6 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
September is a great month to birdsoutheast Arizona. While many of thelocally breeding species depart by month’send, migrant species in mixed feedingflocks mass in the mountains andlowlands, particularly where water ispresent. The potential for rare shorebirds,gulls and terns increases and winteringsparrow numbers rise dramatically. Birderscheck local migrant traps with hopes offinding eastern vagrant warblers. Boldly-patterned Swainson’s Hawks push south asseveral of the more cryptic empidonaxflycatchers arrive. Tucson Audubon fieldtrip leaders executed outings to takeadvantage of the avian bounty that fallmigration affords.
For the fortunate folks who live in theTucson area, long-distance travel is notrequired for excellent birdingopportunities. Liz Payne’s September 2ndtrip to Sabino Canyon produced greatviews of Hairy Woodpecker and a PrairieFalcon peering back at the group from itscliffside perch. At Sweetwater Wetlands,June Scroggin’s September 5 trip talliedGreat Egret, Belted Kingfisher, a white tern(most likely Forster’s), and the alwaysexciting Northern Waterthrush. Sweetwateris extremely popular with birders, and withgood reason; many unusual sightings occurhere. A Hooded Warbler was discovered onthe 10th and a Dickcissel on the 14th.
From the saguaro-dotted hillsides at thebase, to the mixed conifer forest at thesummit, Mount Lemmon affords greatscenery and remarkably diverse birding.Diane Touret’s September 12th trip up themountain, while cool and wet, producednumerous mixed species flocks whichcontained Mountain Chickadees, Grace’s,Red-faced, Townsend’s and HermitWarblers, the latter of which was evenobserved feeding near the ground! Greatviews of Zone-tailed Hawk were alsoenjoyed by the group. Migrant warblerflocks were also noted on Doug Jenness’strip to the under-birded PeppersauceCanyon. Painted Redstart, Nashville, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s and Wilson’sWarblers were in abundance; five vireo
species were alsologged. Highlightsincluded AmericanRedstart, a lifebirdfor several of thegroup, Olive-sidedFlycatcher andobliging Zone-tailedHawks. A deserttortoise was enjoyedby a lucky few.
Madera Canyon wasthe location forDavid Dunford’sSeptember 19th trip.The group hiked theBog Springs trail,noting several flocksalong the way, withmany animatedBridled Titmice, Brown Creepers andWhite-breasted Nuthatches. Colorfuldenizens sighted on the trip includedElegant Trogon and Varied Bunting, whilemore subtly-plumaged Cassin’s andBotteri’s Sparrows delighted the group inthe grasslands. Exciting species continuingin the canyon during the month includeAztec Thrush and Berylline and White-eared Hummingbirds.
Philip Kline led a highly-successful anddiverse trip to Sells, Kitt Peak and theAvra Valley Sewage Treatment Plant.Crested Caracaras were the target in Sells,and this interesting species did notdisappoint, with two separate sightings. Avery rare Tennessee Warbler wasdiscovered at Kitt Peak; Townsend’sSolitaire, Mexican Jays and PlumbeousVireos were also observed. A stop at thesewage ponds produced a group of fourRing-billed Gulls that, like many gulls thatvisit our area, departed soon afterarriving. The highly-sought-after Sabine’sGull appeared at Whitewater Draw onSeptember 26th.
Several unusual water-associated birdsdelighted fortunate birders. Most excitingand most odd was the dark-morphParasitic Jaeger over Fort Huachuca onSeptember 4th. A Roseate Spoonbill
continued at a cattle pond at Las Cienegas.Common Terns were sighted at WhitewaterDraw and Lake Cochise, and a Whimbrelmade a stop at the Green Valley WastewaterTreatment Plant.
The White-eyed Vireo continued at thePatagonia Roadside Rest throughSeptember 3rd. Also continuing, were theRufous-capped Warblers in SycamoreCanyon. New discoveries included EasternKingbird in the Picacho area and twointeresting species at Tumacacori: Rose-throated Becard and Black-throated GreenWarbler.
November is a great time to observe themany Sandhill Cranes, raptors andsparrows in the Sulpher Springs Valley.Large lakes could harbor grebes, divingducks and, with much luck, a loon.Mountain Plovers are possible at the sodfarms in the Santa Cruz flats. Latewanderers and vagrants are possible.Lawrence’s Goldfinches, Sage Thrashersand Sage Sparrows may be present duringthis time. Of course, Tucson Audubonfieldtrip leaders will be guiding trips tolocal hotspots and under-birded gems.Won’t you join us on one of these greatoutings?
VF
Dickcissel. Courtesy Robert Shantz.
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 7
The great thing about working for Tucson Audubon is that you findopportunities for hope. We were buoyed a couple of years ago when we got thechance to manage a 300-acre conservation easement called Esperanza Ranch. Itsvery name is the Spanish word for “hope.”
This grazed and farmed parcel is a corridor for wildlife movement along theSanta Cruz River and will again some day contain quality wildlife habitat. It hasgiven us a chance for hope.
We hope you’ll come out and join us for some volunteer habitat restoration workthere this winter (see box). Please contact me to sign up and get furtherinstructions.
If you have a group you are hoping tofind a speaker for, we have developed apresentation about Esperanza Ranch.Rich with color photos of the easementand its birds, it describes goals we havefor the site and how we intend to reachthem. In particular, it shows our habitatrestoration plans and how we areimplementing them.
Habitat restoration at the easement issupported by funds from the ArizonaWater Protection Fund.
But you don’t need a big grant to dohabitat restoration. Look around. Wheredo you have hope? Where do you seeopportunities to make better habitat forwildlife? For birds? Maybe we can help.
VF
Volunteer days atEsperanza Ranch
Saturdays, 9a.m.–3p.m.November 4 & December 2
Join the habitat restoration crewfor some volunteer work atEsperanza Ranch, along the SantaCruz River between Amado andTubac. You must sign upbeforehand. For more informationor to sign up, contact Kendall [email protected] or206.9900. Sign up by noon Friday,November 3 or December 1.
Future dates: January 13,February 10 & March 10
Hope is a flower at Esperanza Ranch. CourtesyKendall Kroesen.
Volunteer at Tucson Audubon!Birding Field TripsVolunteers to lead birding fieldtrips. Instructions and help areavailable. Yes, you can do it! CallDarlene Smyth at 297.2315.
Education ProgramAssist with environmentaleducation programs for childrenand adults. Call Carrie Dean at622.2230.
Important Bird AreasProgramCollect data about potential IBAs.Survey birds near Tubac, the RioRico area, Cienega Creek, TortolitaFan, or in the Coronado NationalForest in Santa Cruz County. CallScott Wilbor at 628.1730.
Mason Audubon CenterVolunteers needed for outdoorservice projects. There are manyprojects available. Call Lia Sansomat 744.0004.
University Nature ShopThe Nature Shop on UniversityBlvd. is searching for a goodvolunteer to help out in the shop.Contact Heather Hatch [email protected] or622.2230.
Agua Caliente Nature ShopVolunteer to help out at the newNature Shop at Agua CalientePark. Call Becky Aparicio at760.7881.
Contact Vivian MacKinnon at 629.0757 [email protected] about thesetwo important volunteer opportunities:
Tucson Membership Meetings Co-chairOne spot left! Program Co-chairs share duties equallyand work closely with the Membership Coordinator.Duties include brainstorming about programs andpresenters, contacting potential presenters, soliciting orwriting program descriptions for the Flycatcher andattending membership meetings in Tucson.
Special Events & Tabling OpportunitiesWe are looking for a cadre of talented people willing todonate their time to specific special events including butnot limited to staffing membership tables at area specialevents. All materials are provided, and this is an easyand extremely important way to help Tucson Audubonget the word out about our organization while enjoyinga variety of outings around southeast Arizona!
NOVEMBER 4 — SATURDAY, 7A.M.
IBA Bird & Conservation FieldTrip Sabino/Bear Creeks IBAThis is the third in a series of ImportantBird Area (IBA) Program field trips that willbe led by Tucson Audubon’s, AZ IBAProgram Biologist. These field trips areinformal “bird & learn” type trips to enjoygreat birding, but also learn aboutconservation issues and progress protectingIBAs of southern Arizona. This field tripwill explore the conservation issues facingSabino Creek IBA. We will be particularlyinterested in viewing the changes in thetopography and vegetation since the recentmonsoon season. Jeanmarie Haney of TheNature Conservancy will educate us aboutthe hydrology of the creek and watershedissues further downstream. Nicole Fyffe ofPima County Administrator’s Office willalso accompany us to explain effortsunderway to protect important riparianareas like Sabino Creek through theSonoran Desert Conservation Plan and thecounty’s open space bond initiatives. We willbird the creek to see what lurks in theshadows of the its riparian habitat.Possibilities include Belted Kingfisher, Sora,Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia,Phainopepla and three species of goldfinch(maybe!). An additional sidetrip to privatelands along the creek may be possible.
7a.m. start, and finish before noon. This tripis limited to only 12 participants. We highlyencourage local Audubon members andresidents of Tucson, so that we can advancewhat we learn in order to conserve this IBA(we will repeat this trip in early spring 2007focusing on the lower creek). Please RSVP.We will meet at the Sabino Canyon VisitorCenter kiosk (the canyon has a day-use feeof $5). Mid-town car-pooling may beavailable.Leader: Scott Wilbor, IBA ConservationBiologist ([email protected] or628.1730)
NOVEMBER 7 — TUESDAY, 5:15A.M.
Cienega Creek Natural PreserveWe have made special arrangements to visitthis wonderful birding area! Join us as wewalk 1-2 miles on primitive trails and lookfor wintering birds. Meet at the Central
Tucson carpooling site for a 5:15a.m.departure, (leader not present) or at the SETucson meeting site (Houghton/I-10 exit#275; dirt lot on Houghton Rd. north of I-10) for carpooling at 5:45a.m. Our nextdestination will be Three Bridges parking loton Marsh Station Road, arriving at 6:30a.m.We’ll then drive 1.6 miles east on MarshStation Rd to the gate marked A9 (on southside). We’ll park at the clay pit area near theRR tracks, and walk into the horseshoe areaof the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. Wewill start in the mesquite bosque and movedown to the cottonwood/willow gallery. Bringwater, lunch, sunscreen and hat, and dress forthe weather. Bug repellent is a good idea—biting insects may be out. Directions to ThreeBridges: Take I-10 east until you come to theSonoita /Patagonia exit number 283. Exit,then immediately turn left and cross backover the I-10 bridge north. Turn right on thefrontage road and go east. Frontage roadturns into Marsh Station Rd. Continue onMarsh Station Rd about 2 miles, to thecottonwoods of Cienega Creek. There is aparking area just before the bridge thatcrosses the creek, and you’ll see a large traintrestle there. This is the Three Bridgesparking lot. The third bridge is down thetracks a hundred yards. This is a PimaCounty Natural Resources Parks &Recreation preserve, and permits are requiredin the preserve, but not in the parking lot.Camping is not allowed. However, there isstate land about 1.6 miles further east, offMarsh Station Road. Look for a gate with“A9” spray-painted on it. You could probablyfind a spot to camp down in that area as longas you don’t cross the RR tracks into thePreserve. State land-use permits are required.Done by early afternoon. (Approx 80 milesroundtrip from Central Tucson or 20 milesroundtrip from Houghton and I-10.) Leaders: Don Carter (877.6023w or240.9493c) and Liz Payne (609.6209 [email protected])
NOVEMBER 11 — SATURDAY, 7A.M.
Sulphur Springs ValleyWelcome back the wintering Sandhill Cranes,hawks and waterfowl. We will check outWhitewater Draw, Elfrida, KansasSettlement, Willcox Ponds and the AEPCOpower plant viewing area. Bring water,lunch, money for apple pie and car-pooling,
and a scope if you have one. Be ready forcold, windy, wet weather and muddyroads. We will be walking on flat dirt roadsand trails. We will leave from HoughtonRoad just north of I-10 at 7a.m. Back by5p.m. For car-poolers, this is a round-trip ofabout 250 miles. No need to sign up, butfeel free to call leader with any questions.Leader: John Higgins (578.1830,[email protected])
NOVEMBER 14 — TUESDAY, 7A.M.
Arroyo ChicoCome and see just how good the birding canbe in the heart of urban Tucson. We willbegin by birding along Arroyo Chico, ahidden stretch of Sonoran Desert nestled inmidtown Tucson. From there we’ll exploreReid Park, including the ponds and otherlush areas. The walking will be over easytrails and through the park. This is a perfecttrip for beginners or for those with otherobligations later in the day. Meet in theparking lot of the Claim Jumper restaurantat El Con Mall at 7a.m. to carpool for theshort drive over to the park. Done beforenoon. (Local)Leader: Vivian MacKinnon (629.0757 [email protected])
NOVEMBER 18 — SATURDAY, 7A.M.
Northeast TucsonCome out to discover the incrediblediversity of birds without leaving Tucson!We’ll scramble for sparrows, focus onfalcons, then go wild for waterfowl! We’llstart with a walk on Woodland Road, lingerat the lakes in the Castlerock neighborhood,then amble about at Agua Caliente Park.Please bring water, lunch or snack,binoculars, sunscreen, and your enthusiasm.We hope to see 60 species by the 1pm. finishtime but will break also at 11a.m. for thosewho have other engagements. Meet atMcDonalds parking lot at the northeastcorner of Catalina Highway and TanqueVerde at 7a.m. Call or email Brian with anyquestions. (Local)Leader: Brian Nicholas (760.3583 [email protected])
8 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
NOVEMBER 21 — TUESDAY, 5A.M.
San Rafael GrasslandsThe San Rafael Grasslands, southeast ofPatagonia, provide some of the finest vistasin southeastern Arizona though they areseldom visited by non-birders. The numberof bird species we will see is not large, butthere is an opportunity to see someinteresting birds, especially raptors andgrassland sparrows. We will start early togive us the best chance of seeing some of thespecial birds, possibly including Baird’s andGrasshopper Sparrows. Expect somewalking through tall grass and over rockyslopes, and dress accordingly. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Wear ahat and sunscreen and bring lunch or snacksand plenty of water. Bring a scope if youhave one. Meet at the Central Tucsoncarpooling site for a 5a.m. departure, or atHoughton Road north of I-10 before5:30a.m. (150 miles roundtrip).Leader: Jim Hays (203.3489, [email protected])
NOVEMBER 25—SATURDAY, 7 A.M.
San Pedro Riparian NationalConservation AreaThis is one of the country’s best year-roundbirding areas. We should see lots of raptors,sparrows, resident, and wintering birds.Dress warmly, wear a hat, and bring waterand lunch. A scope may be useful. Meet atHoughton Rd. north of I-10 before 7a.m.(leader not present), or meet the leader atthe San Pedro House off Arizona Route 90east of Sierra Vista about 8a.m. (160 milesroundtrip).Leader: Erika Wilson (520-234-4359, long-distance from Tucson, or [email protected])
NOVEMBER 28—TUESDAY, 6:30 A.M.
Pena Blanca LakeThis beautiful little lake can hold a nicevariety of resident and wintering birds atthis time of year. We will explore this lake(some trails are steep and rocky), then stopat the Rio Rico and Amado lagoons on thereturn trip. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen,and dress for the weather. Meet at theCentral Tucson carpooling site for a6:30a.m. departure, or at the Green ValleyMcDonalds (I-19 and Continental Rd.)
before 7a.m. (140 miles roundtrip).Leader: Clait Braun (529.4614 or [email protected])
DECEMBER 2 — SATURDAY, 7A.M.
Raptors, Thrashers, and Sparrowsof Santa Cruz FlatsThe Santa Cruz Flats area of Pinal Countynorthwest of Tucson is a great place for awide assortment of wintering and residentraptors. It also has lots of sparrows,including the possibility of Sage Sparrows,and Bendire’s and Sage Thrashers may beseen. We’ll check sod farms for MountainPlovers, and pecan groves for Lewis’sWoodpeckers. Don’t expect much hiking,but there will be some road dust. Bringwater and lunch. We’ll likely go tomidafternoon. About 100 miles roundtrip.Meet at commuter parking lot on south sideof Ina Road one block west of Oracle Road.Leader: Doug Jenness, (520.909.1529 [email protected])
DECEMBER 9 — SATURDAY, 7:30A.M.
Ducks for Dummies: Kennedy ParkLake & Avra Valley WW PondsBirders and non-birders of all ages and alllevels of experience and non-experience areinvited to see what ducks have made it toTucson for the winter. We might also betreated to gulls, grebes and herons. Bringbinoculars and field guides and a scope ifyou have them. “Loaner” binocularsavailable. Dress for the weather. Easywalking on flat dirt roads. Restrooms atboth sites. All driving on paved roads. At7:30a.m. we will leave from the MissionLibrary parking lot on the northwest cornerof Mission Road and Ajo Way. Back by10a.m. Round-trip mileage is about 15miles. No need to sign up early but feel freeto call leader if you have any questions.Leader: John Higgins (578.1830,[email protected])
DECEMBER 9 — SATURDAY, 6–9P.M.
Winter Star ViewingMany birders become interested inastronomy. I started in astronomy and laterbecame interested in birding. If you want tolearn a few basics about the night sky, comeand bring your binoculars to the top of
Campbell, about 1 mile (1.6 km) north ofSkyline. Park on the west side. True, therewill be a good deal of light pollution, butthe winter stars are bright enough to surviveit. The moon will rise long after sunset, andonly Venus, among the bright planets, willbe visible. There will be a telescope for some“deep sky” object-viewing, but primarily this
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 9
General InformationTucson Audubon field trips are free. Thefield trip coordinator is Darlene Smyth(297.2315).
Carpooling SiteTucson Audubon strongly encouragescarpooling. Unless noted otherwise, the“carpooling site” is the parking lot behindthe First Baptist Church. It is on the westside of 5th Ave., 1.5 blocks south ofUniversity Blvd and the Audubon NatureShop. Be aware that if there are two or moremeeting sites for a field trip, you may be theonly person to use one of them. Every personarriving for a trip should be prepared todrive, or make other arrangements prior tomeeting time. For more information aboutcarpool locations,www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/carpool.htm.
Driver ReimbursementsWe recommend that each passengerreimburse the driver 10¢ per mile. Eachtrip description includes estimated tripmileage.
Arrival TimesPlease arrive before the departure timelisted in the trip description. Trips willleave promptly at the time given.
After your Field TripDon’t forget to stop in the AudubonNature Shop after your trip to check outnew books, see wonderful nature items,and chat with volunteers.
Rare Bird AlertListen to the latest rare bird alert at798.1005. To report rare birds call the samenumber, or write to RBA [email protected].
CARPOOLING:
continued next page
10 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
It’s fall, and November is upon us withthoughts of that “other bird,” Thanksgivingturkey. It’s also time for family and friends’visits, and busier lives with more activeschedules. Here at Agua Caliente Park ouractivity has stepped up a notch with thebeginning of school visits, three times a week,for the staff at Pima County NaturalResources Park and Recreation. TucsonAudubon Society’s Agua Caliente NatureShop has added another day to our OPENsign, Friday, giving us an additionalopportunity to interact with Tucsonans andvisitors from all over the world.
Joanne Triblett, a program coordinator forPima County, accompanies school children,educators and parents as they wend their wayaround the ponds, meandering down themany paths, enjoying the natural beauty ofthe park, and being attentive (as much as theycan when outdoors) to their instructors. Theyusually stay for lunch at one of the manypicnic sites before heading back to school.We’ve been fortunate to wrangle some timefor an Audubon Nature Shop visit, and the
kids are really great! Sometimes they have abuck or two to spend, but most of the timethey like to chat, look, and ask us lots ofquestions. Our volunteers here love theirinteraction and energy. Their visits havegiven me more enthusiasm to bring inbooks and fun-tools to whet their appetitesfor the natural world. The volunteers and Ihave set apart a little area in the shop wherethey can sit and read and enjoy thecamaraderie of books. The light in the shopis terrific for reading, and we encourage allwho visit to make themselves comfy and dosome perusing.
The birding, natural history and native plantprograms have stepped up a notch, too.Robb Yaksich, a Pima County naturalist,continues the early Tuesday morningbirdwalks, and also leads Saturday afternoonprograms. His suggestion to have Ducks at aDistance on hand has become a popularpocket-sized reference for identifying thedifferent species in our pond. This littletome makes it fun to find the Pintails,Mallards, Ring-necks, and Widgeons, to
name a few of our resident and visitingducks. Also leading an exploration at theend of September was Doris Evans, authorof Let’s Explore the Desert, who shared herexpertise with families on a morning walk.Everyone is hoping this will be repeated. Youcan purchase your copy of her book at theNature Shop. For more information aboutthese programs, call Pima County at749.3718.
In addition to the extra day that our shop isopen, I have added our presence at theTanque Verde Antique Fair, a Pima County-sponsored event which occurs the firstSunday of the month and is a reflection ofthe symbiotic relationship we have betweenParks and Recreation and TucsonAudubon’s nature shop at Agua Caliente.This is a great way to meet new folks and letthem know about the many programs wehave, not just the birding—as important asthat is—but the educational outreach, theImportant Bird Areas, and the HabitatRestoration Programs.
is a chance for you to learn the ‘main streets’ of the winter sky. Questionto ponder: On that night, nearly two weeks before the winter solstice,the sun is actually setting a little later each night. Why is that?Leader: Michael S. Smith (299.0122 or [email protected])
DECEMBER 16 — SATURDAY, 6A.M.
Nogales Christmas Bird Count at Sonoita CreekTake part in the Nogales Christmas Bird Count along Sonoita Creek. Beprepared to walk in wet creek bed at times. Also, dress for the weather—it can be cold early. Bring water, snacks and lunch. All experience levelsare welcome. We will see a variety of sparrows, raptors, flycatchers andendemics. There are also other sections in the count circle to be coveredfor those interested in going on their own. All assistance is appreciated!Meet at Fry’s parking lot at I-19 and Irvington at 6a.m.Leader/Count compiler: Michael Bissontz (577.8778 [email protected])
DECEMBER 17 — SUNDAY, TBA
Tucson Valley Christmas Bird CountBirders will be invited to go along with the counters, to admire the birdsand help keep the counters awake, happy, and honest. Please check thiscolumn in the December/January issue of the Flycatcher for moreinformation, or check the TAS website (click birding, click field trips)for more information, as this and some other count area informationwill be posted there.
JANUARY 12–14 — FRIDAY–SUNDAY
Bosque Del Apache NWR, New MexicoCome see a dozen Bald Eagles, fifteen thousand Sandhill Cranes andthirty thousand Snow Geese. We might also be treated to ducks,gulls, hawks and herons. The group will leave Friday at 7:30a.m.from Houghton Road just north of I-10. We will do a quick birdingstop at Willcox, eat lunch together at La Fonda in Deming, look forraptors and pronghorn on the Hatch Cut-Off, and make it toBosque by 4p.m. so we can watch the “waves” of birds coming in forthe night. USFWS fee or Golden Eagle/Age Pass needed for NWR.Birders will make their own motel and eating arrangements(breakfast and dinner). Most stay at Motel 6, our “gathering spot.”Saturday morning we will bird the refuge and check out the visitorcenter. Saturday lunch will be at the Owl Cafe. An optionalafternoon trip to nearby Water Canyon will look for montane birds.Late Saturday afternoon will find us again watching the “fly-in” atthe refuge. Sunday morning we do not go to the NWR and insteaddrive back west, through the mountains, to Arizona. Birding stops atVLA, Apache Creek, and Glenwood Fish Hatchery to look forPinyon Jays, Bald and Golden Eagles and Lewis Woodpeckers. Bringpicnic lunch that day. Back to Tucson by Sunday 5p.m. Be ready forcold and wet weather—fifteen degrees colder than Tucson. Bring ascope if you have one. Round-trip mileage is 700 miles. All roadspaved except graded dirt roads in refuge. No limit on number ofbirders, but please sign up with leader.Leader: John Higgins (578.1830, [email protected])
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 11
BOOK REVIEW
Birding Babylon: A Soldier’s Journal from Iraq by Jonathan Trouen-Trend. 80 pages. Published 2006Review provided by Heather Hatch, Assistant Shop Manager for Tucson Audubon Society
Here is a beautiful little book of our times to inspire even the most disheartened observer of worldnews. This young soldier watched, recorded and shared his lifelong passion for natural historywhile serving with a medical unit at Camp Anaconda, north of Baghdad in 2004. Before itspublication he enthusiastically listed his sightings in an online journal, which is still an active sitededicated to birding and conservation: birdingbabylon.blogspot.com. Whether he was heading tohis “usual spot” at the laundry pond or on his way to the ancient ruins of Babylon, his perspectivewas always the same: he is a constant observer of nature and his passion is watching birds. In thepreface he writes “When I think of my time in Iraq, my thoughts turn first to the good things: myfriends, both Iraqi and American, and my time observing wildlife…. In Iraq there are ten thousandways to see the world. I consider myself lucky to have seen it through the eyes of a naturalist.” Thisbook is too wonderful to miss.
Holiday Nature Gift Ideas from the Main Nature ShopDon’t just purchase a generic gift for your nature-loving family member or friend.How about stopping by either of the Tucson Audubon Nature Shops to pick up aunique, special gift for the holiday season!
Ideas for the young naturalist (ages 6 and up):Desert Creatures or Beetle 4-D puzzle; it’s a 4-dimensional critter puzzle — $4.00Owl Puke book and pellet; learn all about an owl by dissecting its pellet — $13.95Small stuffed owl to go along with the book and pellet — $5.00Nature Bingo! Puts a fun, outdoorsy twist on regular Bingo! — $15.00
Ideas for the beginning birder:Sibley’s Birding Basics (book) — $15.95National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America — $19.95All-Weather pen; writes in the rain! — $7.95All-Weather notebook; great to carry with the pen to keep track of all the birds seen
on a trip — $5.95Tucson Audubon Binocular harness; comfortable alternative to a regular neck strap
— $19.95
Ideas for the Advanced birder:Peterson Advanced Birding (book) — $19.00Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas (book) — $45.00Cornell Lab’s Voices of North American Owls CD — $29.95The Shorebird Guide (book) Those confusing shorebirds made more enjoyable —
$24.95
Ideas for a special friend:Birding Babylon: A Soldier’s Journal from Iraq (book); see review below — $9.95Brass keepsake box with dragonfly or turtle on top; to keep all of natures treasures in
My name is Lucio Armendáriz and I am a high school scienceand math teacher. From July 19 through August 24, 2006, I hadthe distinct pleasure of creating and teaching a course titled“Conservation Leadership” at Pima Vocational High School(PVHS) in Tucson. This class was created as part of the “GreenCareers” program, which is a partnership between theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pima Vocational HighSchool, Tucson Audubon Society and other city and countyagencies. The main goal of this course was to interestdisadvantaged PVHS students in pursuing environmental careersby introducing them to the values of environmental stewardship.
The six-week course supplied students with the broadunderpinnings of environmental issues; then gave them the toolsto develop critical thinking skills and link the issues with specificcareer opportunities in environmental science and technology.The class focused on six areas of emphasis: ecosystemmanagement, natural resource conservation, urban habitatconservation, habitat restoration, land use planning, andconservation policy.
This class was created with the intention of fitting any highschool curriculum (it is aligned with the Arizona state sciencestandards), and will be modified to be taught at the college level.Since the PVHS school year is divided into six-week sessions, thesix areas of emphasis fit perfectly with the school term. Theweekly structure allowed me to introduce the topic to thestudents and then supplement it by having local experts speak oneach theme, and then providing field trips that tied into eachsection. This is where the course was most successful. We had awide array of guest speakers, activities and field trips.
Ecosystem management brought Floyd Gray to our campus as aguest speaker. Later, he led a lab for the students utilizingdifferent filters to simulate the clean-up of an aquatic ecosystem.Mr. Gray finished this section by leading our students on a fieldtrip to the Pima County Wastewater Treatment Plant and toSweetwater Wetlands.
Tucson Water graciously stepped in and assisted with the naturalresource conservation unit. Art Castro of the Zanjero programspoke about conserving water and gave the students and staffwater-saving devices for their homes. Joaquim Delgado took uson a field trip to the Central Avra Valley Storage and RecoveryProject (CAVSARP), Hayden-Udall water treatment facility, anddemonstrated to the students his groundwater flow model.
The third week was a combination of two areas: urban habitatconservation, and habitat restoration. Don Carter of PimaCounty Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation showed thestudents his work with bat and owl habitat restoration. Thestudents really enjoyed his slides. Lia Sansom of TucsonAudubon Society led our field trip for the week to the North
Simpson Site, at Trico Road and the Santa Cruz River, to seeBurrowing Owls and their man-made burrows.
Land-use planning was demonstrated to the students by Tedra Foxand Steve Anderson. Both are planners with Pima County’sDevelopment Services Office. Ms. Fox spoke to the students aboutland-use planning, and then assisted Mr. Anderson, PrinciplePlanner, on our class fieldtrip to Robles Pass in the TucsonMountains.
The final week was the most interesting. Sean Sullivan from theCoalition for Sonoran Desert Protection spoke about grassrootsmovements and activism in the community, and each studentcreated a list of ten questions for the following day’s field trip toPima County Supervisor Ray Carroll’s office. We allowed thestudents to ask about anything they learned in previous weeks, anissue in their community, or anything of general interest to them.Consolidating all the questions we came up with ten solidquestions to pose to Patrick McKenna, of Supervisor Carroll’soffice, who graciously met with our students and answered alltheir queries.
Overall, the course was deemed a success. Although the majorityof the students have different plans for their future, theyappreciated the opportunity to participate in the ConservationLeadership class and I look forward to teaching it once again.
VF
12 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
Conservation Leadership Programby Lucio Armendáriz, Pima Vocational High School
Burrowing owl release at the North Simpson Restoration Site.Courtesy Stormy Rose.
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 13
Mason Naturalist Highlight: Ed MollThis month, I introduce a new series of articles for the MasonCenter page in which I will highlight the accomplishments ofsome of our most involved Naturalists. And I get to start witha great one: Dr. Edward O. Moll. Ed is more than just theman who strolls about with snakes wrapped around his faceduring the Ironwood Festival; he is a prominent herpetologistwho specializes in the biology and conservation of freshwaterturtles. For his accomplishments in this field, Ed was recentlyawarded the Behler Award by the World Conservation Union(IUCN) Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN Tortoise andFreshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Ed is the first recipient ofthis prestigious award that honors leadership and excellencein the field of turtle and tortoise conservation.
Ed is a retired Professor of Zoology from Eastern IllinoisUniversity where he taught courses in anatomy, vertebratebiology and environmental biology. During his academiccareer, he studied and published on the ecology andconservation of tropical river turtles in Central America,Bangladesh, India and Malaysia. Ed is the author of over 75scientific and popular publications including the book TheEcology, Exploitation, and Conservation of River Turtles,published by Oxford University Press, which he wrote withhis brother, Don.
On the local front, Ed serves as a volunteer with many Tucsonconservation organizations including Tucson Herpetological
Society, Tohono Chul Park,Patagonia/Sonoita CreekPreserve and, of course theMason Audubon Center. Heloves to give lectures on thelocal herpetofauna (snakes,lizards, toads, etc.) andalways brings his owncritters to show, like a desertmud turtle, a hognose snakeand a milk snake. As aspeaker, Ed is wonderfullyengaging. It is almost asfascinating to watch kidsenraptured with hispresentation, as it is towatch Ed himself.
We at Tucson Audubonwould like to expressheartfelt thanks to all ofEd’s contributions to conservation, and congratulate him onearning the Behler Award. I encourage you to see Ed speak atour next membership meeting, the details of which are onpage 1.
VF
IS YOUR HOUSE OR GARAGE LOOKING A LITTLE
CLUTTERED? DONATE YOUR UNUSED STUFF TO THE
MASON CENTER YARD SALE!!! The Annual Mason Center Yard Sale will be held this year onNovember 25, 8–10 a.m. We are currently accepting donations ofitems that are in decent condition. Please call Lia at 744.0004 toarrange a time for dropping off items at the Mason Center. We canalso arrange to pick up items from you, if necessary. All proceedsbenefit the Mason Audubon Center and its educational programs.Please, no computer equipment, paint or lawnmowers.
Ed Moll, recent recipient of the BehlerAward for turtle and tortoiseconservation. Courtesy Doris Evans.
Peggy Wenrick interpreting the geology of French JoeCanyon. Courtesy Herb Trossman.
French Joe Canyon Geology ExpeditionOn Sunday, September 17, Peggy Wenrick led a group of Mason CenterNaturalists and Tucson Audubon Book Club members on a hike throughFrench Joe Canyon in the Whetstone Mountains. Peggy is a retiredhydrogeologist, and the focus of the trip was to learn about geologic andhydrologic processes and functions that helped form our uniquesouthwestern desert landscape. We occasionally strayed from that topic toobserve birds, butterflies, plants and bear scat. The weather was beautifuland Peggy did an excellent job explaining the geology. Thank you, Peggy!
The Mason Audubon Center islocated on the southwest cornerof Thornydale and Hardy Roads,with parking available on Hardy.
14 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
This time I’m not writing about a particular place. I’m writingabout a state of mind. It’s about being one with urban birds. TheZen of Cactus Wren. The Tao of Turkey Vulture.
Urban bird nirvana takes many forms. It’s when you don’t haveto look up at the feeder to know what’s there. It’s when you areinside your house and you know what’s happening in the birdworld outside. It’s when you walk through the neighborhoodrecognizing individual birds, rather than just their species.
When you’re tuned in to the avian aura, you have a pretty goodidea whether the American Kestrel you hear is actually a kestrelor the neighborhood Northern Mockingbird. It’s when youdream about who’s going to make your breakfast, just beforewaking up to a White-winged Dove’s “who cooks for you.”
You can become familiar with urban birds in ways you can’tknow non-urban birds—for most of us anyway. Most of us willnever know Rose-throated Becards or Buff-breasted Flycatcherswith great intimacy. We will never have their jizz ingrained in usthe way Curve-billed Thrashers or Gila Woodpeckers are stuck inour minds. Picture these birds in your mind. Which has theclearer image?
There are many paths to urban-bird enlightenment. Here arethree: First, spend time in your back yard. Create some urbanhabitat with the right mixture of plants. Provide a little water anda feeder. Read the paper in your shorts on early summermornings. Read a book in your sweater on a cool winterafternoon. Look up when you hear something you don’trecognize. Have your binoculars handy.
Second, take walks. Note who lives where. Look for nests. You’renot just looking for birds, you are the birds. Lately my favoriteroute takes me by a towering dead eucalyptus about seven blocksfrom our house, where wandering hawks stop to survey ourneighborhood.
Third, do a volunteer route for the Tucson Bird Count. You cantake on an annual spring route or a more ambitious quarterlypark count. It might push you to learn a little more, be surer inyour IDs, or see birds that you haven’t seen on your block yet butthat might show up some day.
Ommmmmmm. Audubonnnnnnnnnnn.VF
Meditation on an urban Kingfisher. Courtesy Kendall Kroesen.
Each year, many people observe their hummingbird feedersdrained overnight in late summer and early fall by nectar-feedingbats. This year the bats seem to have expanded farther intoTucson; people who have never had bats at their feeders before areseeing them this year (or observing empty feeders in themorning). I would like to follow up on last year’s study of batsand hummingbird feeders, and document locations in Tucsonwhere bats are using feeders this year for the first time.
In 2005, I conducted a study, funded by Arizona Game and FishDepartment, in which many Audubon members and othersmonitored their feeders and collected data on bat use. One orboth species of nectar-feeding bats, lesser long-nosed andMexican long-tongued, were documented at houses near theborders—and up to several miles away—of Coronado NationalForest and Saguaro National Park, and from Oro Valley to GreenValley. The report on the study will be available October 15th, andwill be sent automatically to those who participated.
If you have observed bats usingyour feeder, or observed yourfeeders drained overnight andyou live in zip codes 85604,85705, 85706, 85707, 85708,85710, 85711, 85712, 85715,85716, 85718 near River Rd,85719, 85730, 85747, 85748west of Houghton Rd. (I knowthere are lots of bats east of Houghton), 85739, 85741, 85742,or 85744, please email me at [email protected] with yourname, address (cross streets are fine if you would prefer notto give your street address) and the general dates bats drankfrom your feeder. If you don’t have access to email, pleaseleave a message at 743-2965.
Thank you! Sandy Wolf at Bat Research and Consulting
Bats and Hummingbird Feeders
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 15
Citizen Stewardship By Jeff Williamson, president and CEO, The Phoenix Zoo
With funding from the Arizona Community Foundation, theTucson Audubon Society is participating in a statewide CitizenStewardship program, serving with other organizations includingThe Phoenix Zoo as a study group to produce portable programsthat promote citizen stewardship. The goal is to improve people’srelationships with and understanding of our natural heritage, inparticular animals and their habitat, so that everyone may leadmore sustainable lifestyles.
It’s warming out. New stuff is moving in and the neighborhood isgetting a bit crowded. Cities are getting bigger and many spend agreat deal of time interacting with virtual worlds throughtechnologies. Life is complex; we’re busy with much to do. In ourrush are we dashing past our source of sustenance? Do werecognize NATURE as the original source of nurturing, and is itrelevant in our lives? Can and should we rely on invention andtechnology to assure future access to water, breathable air, stableland and soil, and biological richness sufficient to assure theability to provide for the future?
A group of us believe one of life’s important lessons is founded oncare-giving or stewardship for each other and community and, at
its foundation, nature. We are exploring ways of encouraging ourneighbors to join us in engaging our environments in ways thatadd value. We are piloting programs that are focused on inspiringcitizen stewardship. These programs are intended for the old andyoung, the prosperous and those working hard to provide, and forthe diverse cultures that comprise our rich landscape.
Working successfully to reduce the impact of our environmentalfootprint is important. We need to stabilize our climate, fightinvasive species that challenge indigenous biodiversity, and makenature relevant to a world anesthetized by virtual creations thatexist without appropriate consequences.
Please join us as we try to design strategies that encourage livingwell, with a deep respect for and contribution to healthylandscapes, watersheds, and natural communities.
If you have a moment, pick up Dr. E. O. Wilson’s new book TheCreation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. Dr. Wilson is the ant guywho has taught at Harvard for 40 years and won two PulitzerPrizes. A practical man, who has spent his life exploring hownature helps sculpt societies and how our choices influence theevolution of nature, he’s calling on all communities to reengage ina meaningful and healthful relationship with nature. His thoughtsand considerations are an important call to stewardship.
VF
TUCSON AREA BIRDING:Mason Audubon Center “BeginningBirding Walks”Second Wednesday & 3rd Saturday of themonth, 7:30a.m. For more information,contact Lia Sansom at 744.0004 [email protected].
Bird Walk in the FoothillsBeginning in October, first Thursday of themonth, 7a.m. Beginning birders meet atLa Encantada parking lot, north ofSkyline. For information, contact MichaelSmith at [email protected] or 299.0122.
Wake up with the Birds at Roy P.Drachman Agua Caliente ParkEvery Tuesday, 7:45a.m. in November;8:50a.m. in December. Pima County guidedbird walks for beginners and families.Binoculars available. Meet at the VisitorCenter. For information, call 877.6111.
Sam Lena Park & Kino EcologicalRestoration Project Bird Walk4th Saturday of the month, 8a.m. Beginnersand families bird walk at Sam Lena Park.For more information, contact KendallKroesen at [email protected] 206.9900.
Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumBirdwalks every day at 8:30a.m.,October–April, at museum entrance. Call883.2702. Free with admission.
Catalina State ParkFall/Winter bird walks led by Denis Wrighton Fridays, 7:30–10a.m. at the first picnicarea — time will change in 30-minuteincrements as weather/light conditionsrequire. Open daily 5a.m.–10p.m.; fee. Call628.5798 for information about walks.
Sabino CanyonBirding and nature hikes. Parking fee. Call749.8700.
Saguaro National ParkCall 733.5153 (East) or 733.5158 (West) forscheduled bird walks.
Tohono Chul ParkBirding walks at 8:30a.m. Monday,Wednesday & Saturday. Open 8a.m.–5p.m.daily; entrance fee (free 1st Tuesday ofevery month). Call 575.8468.
OTHER AREASArizona State Parks—Birding and other walks;www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. Call 602.542.4174.
Buenos Aires NWR—Refuge, including ArivacaCienega, open 24 hours a day; 823.4251 x1.Arivaca Cienega Saturday bird walks run fromNovember through April at 8a.m. Call823.4251 x116.
“Ecuador’s Majestic Andes…bothslopes.” We are planning tour dates now,please contact us for more information.Professional guides. $1500 inclusive fromQuito, 12 days /11 nights. Visit SantaLucia’s unspoiled cloud forest, 385 speciesincluding the rare White-faced Nunbird,Plate-billed Mtn. Toucan and Cock-of-the-Rock lek! Bird 13,500 ft. Papallacta Pass.East slopes Guango and San Isidro Lodgesfor Mtn. Avocetbill, Sword-billedHummingbird, Torrent Duck, BicoloredAntvireo, White-bellied Antpitta…more.Nobody leaves disappointed.
Borderland Tours882.7650 from Tucson, toll-free at800.525.7753; [email protected], or www.borderland-tours.com
“Yucatán Birds & Ruins,” December 1–11,2006, $2,995; and “Yucatán Biospheres,”December 11–17, 2006, $1,995 (or $4,990for both trips). Leaders: David Salas andRick Taylor. The glass-clear, aquamarineCaribbean, throngs of rose-pink GreaterFlamingos, many other Petén specialties,and the beautifully preserved Mayan city-states of Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Cobá, andTulum form the backdrop for your birdingtour of Mexico’s famed Yucatán Peninsula.Yucatán Biospheres dips south almost toBelize to two immense world heritage sites:Calakmul and Sian Ka’an. Here we’ll searchfor Ocellated Turkey, Keel-billed Toucan,and Gray-throated Chat — as well asmonkeys and possibly jaguar.
“Costa Rica,” July 1–13, 2007, $2,795.Leaders: Carlos Gómez & Chris Sharpe. Weinvite you to explore Costa Rica’s scenicnetwork of national parks and wildlifepreserves from lowland rain forest to thenorthernmost páramo in Central America.We’ll visit Costa Rica’s most reliablelocation for Resplendent Quetzal, reputedlythe most beautiful bird in this hemisphere.Other special birds include King Vulture,Great Green Macaw, Black-and-white Owl,Snowy Cotinga, and the bizarre Three-wattled Bellbird. Last year’s trip listed 355species of birds, including 33
hummingbirds, as well as 15 mammalsand 22 reptiles and amphibians.
La Ruta de [email protected], www.laruta.org,886.6555 or 800.806.0766
“Colorado River Delta Tour,”November 9–13, 2006, $999 (doubleoccupancy). This tour focuses on waterpolicy issues, wildlife, history, ecologyand restoration of the delta. Visit theImperial Wildlife Refuge, Yuma NationalHeritage Area, native Cucupacommunities, the fishing village of ElGolfo de Santa Clara, and La Cienega deSanta Clara, the largest wetland in theSonoran Desert. Opportunities tobirdwatch in the Pacific Flyway! Co-sponsored by the Arizona-Sonora DesertMuseum.
“Desert & Sea Tour,” November 17–19,2006, $699 (double occupancy). AtOrgan Pipe National Monument, get atour of the fragile Sonoran Desertecosystem. Get a truly “volcanic”experience at El Pinacate & GranDesierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. ThePinacate Reserve treasures a beautifulvolcanic desertscape that includes 10giant “maar” craters, lava flows, cindercones, cholla forests, and spectacularsand dunes. The tour ends in PuertoPeñasco with a close examination of themarine life unique to the Sea of Cortez.Includes one night camping incomfortable accommodations.
Nature Treks and Passages696-2002, [email protected], or seewww.naturetreks.net
“Copper Canyon Birding,” January2–10, and February 24–March 4, 2007,$2549. Leaders: Larry Liese with KeithKamper or Dick Palmer. See neo-tropicalspecies such as Eared Quetzal andRusset-crowned Motmot. Activitiesinclude a river float trip near the colonialtown of El Fuerte, the spectacularCopper Canyon train to Creel, and threedays in Batopilas, deep within theCanyon. View the itinerary and specieslist at www.naturetreks.net/dbgcc.htm.
“Birding in Belize and Tikal,” February3–13, 2007, $3299. Leaders: Larry Liese andKeith Kamper. Walk through tropicalrainforest, explore the Mayan ruins ofLamanai and Tikal, and snorkel amongcorals and tropical fish. We may seetrogons, toucans, parrots, tinamous, andmotmots. Nearly 600 species of birds existin Belize with 350 at Tikal alone. See theitinerary and species list atwww.naturetreks.net/belize_birding.htm
“Cameroon,” March 25–April 14, andApril 19–May 9, 2007, US$5,650.Cameroon is West Africa’s richest birdingdestination. Our comprehensive tourthoroughly explores this vast country, fromlowland rainforests to Sahel semi-desert.We hope to observe in excess of 600 birdspecies and a wealth of exciting Africanwildlife. Targets include Bannerman’sTuraco, Bare-cheeked Trogon,Vermiculated Fishing-Owl, Mt KupeBushshrike, Gray-necked Rockfowl, thespectacular Pennant-winged and Standard-winged Nightjars, Black-crowned Crane,Quail-Plover and Golden Nightjar.
“Egypt & Petra,” April 14–May 2, 2007,Egypt $4,100, Petra $800. This Birding &Antiquities tours visits all the major sitesfrom the Sphinx and Great Pyramids toAbu Simbel, St Katherine and the Templesof Edfu and Kom Ombo, essentialstopovers during our Nile cruise. Our touris timed for the bird migration peak;storks, raptors and passerines passingthrough make birding easy and enjoyable.Our Petra extension visits one of theworld’s most remarkable antiquities,regarded as the most astounding ancientcity left to the modern world.
“Gabon,” Aug 9–24, 2007, US$5,950. Dueto its small populations and vast rainforestresources, Gabon is unique in harboringsignificant numbers of large Africanrainforest mammals. We will seek lowlandgorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, Red Riverhogs, herds of forest elephants foraging inbaïs and forest buffaloes on pristinebeaches. The birding is equally exceptional,
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 17
with possibilities including mythical Africanmegas as Gray-throated Rail, Oriole Cuckoo-Shrike, White-crested Bitterns, Lyre-tailedHoneyguide, African River Martin, Gray-necked Rockfowl and Black-headed Bee-eater.
“Philippines,” May 7–30, 2007, US$4,450main, US$1,450 extension. The Philippinesoccupy the unenviable position of harboringthe most birds facing imminent extinction.Our ENDANGERED ENDEMICS tour covers thebest remaining habitats, seeking some of theworld’s most spectacular and threatened birdsincluding Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Flame-breasted Fruit-Dove, Celestial Monarch,Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, WattledBroadbill, Azure-breasted Pitta and GreatPhilippine Eagle. Our VISAYAN ISLANDS
extension takes in Cebu, Bohol and Negrosfor highly sought-after birds including CebuFlowerpecker, Flame-templed Tree-Babblerand Visayan Hornbill.
“China: Sichuan and the Tibetan Plateau,”May 19–June 9, 2007,$5,160 per person.Leader: Sam Woods. An unforgettablejourney through the center of this fascinatingcountry. See fantastic birds like pheasants,tragopans, and parrotbills amid trulyspectacular scenery. Accommodation is goodand the food superb. See our website forreports from our 2006 tours.
“Eastern Australia from Top to Bottom,”October 2–November 7, 2007, $4,700 perperson. Leader: Iain Campbell. Cassowaries,bowerbirds, lyrebirds, fairywrens, andmore—we will look for all of easternAustralia’s most sought-after birds fromCairns all the way to Tasmania. A great tourfor first-time visitors; by the end you will feellike you really know the birds and theirunique habitats.
Rep. Jim Kolbe (Dist. 8): 202.225.2542,fax 202. 225.0378, www.house.gov/kolbeTucson: 881.3588
WHO TO CONTACT:
Pima County Natural Resources, Parksand Recreation Seeks EnvironmentalEducation Volunteers!Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation is recruiting enthusiasticvolunteers to assist with Environmental Education programming in PimaCounty.
If you are a naturalist at heart, have an interest in Sonoran Desert conservationor just like being outside and interacting with the public, we want to meet you!
To find out how you can share the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with people ofall ages, contact the Environmental Education Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] or 520.877.6032.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
18 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b NOVEMBER 2006
Wishes:University Blvd. Offices:Cushioned folding chairs2-drawer vertical file cabinetComfortable reading chair or small couch3 large plastic bins with lids
Education ProgramXGA native resolution and 2000 ANSI
lumen digital projector or better
Mason Audubon Center:40-gallon snake terrariumYard sale items (see page 13 for details)
University Blvd. Nature Shop:Small TV/DVD combo player and small
CD player to demonstrate products
Nature Shop at Agua Caliente Park:Sturdy folding step stoolLockable storage cabinet approximately
26” W X 16” D and at least 4 feet tallPlexiglas poster frames
Habitat Restoration Program:Locking metal storage cabinet
Avra Valley Christmas Bird CountNeeds New Compiler… The Avra ValleyChristmas Bird Count is looking for a newcompiler. This count circle has a greatvariety of habitats, including much ofSaguaro National Park, Tucson MountainUnit, a portion of Ironwood Forest NationalMonument, Old Tucson, ASDM, retired andactive agriculture land, several ponds, andresidential areas. The count has been goingon since 1980, and the current compiler isready to turn it over to another andbecome a dedicated participant. ContactGeorge Montgomery at 682.8530 [email protected] .
Christmas Bird CountCompiler Needed… A new compiler isneeded for the Tucson Valley Christmas BirdCount. For information about thisvolunteer position please contact SusanBirky at [email protected] or 743.9390.
We are grateful to all of Tucson Audubon’s members and supporters. With yourhelp, our programs continue to grow and thrive. We are truly thankful for thegenerous donations of time, money and much needed items from people likeyou!
We thank the following folks for their financial donations:
Tom ArnyDorothy JorgensenJan and John MuellerJane RodmanBryan and Valerie SmithShirley and Joe SpitlerBonnie and Mark StilesJames Woolfenden
Our Frequent Flyer Program makes monthly giving to Tucson Audubon assimple as a single phone call to the membership coordinator at 520.629.0757.The following people give generously every month and we thank them:
Mich CokerChristine CurtisJoseph and Vernita De RouenValerie PullaraHerb and Pat Trossman
And a special welcome to our newest Frequent Flyers: Sandy and Karl Elers
We are grateful for the many in-kind donations we have received. The followingfolks have given generously by responding to specific needs:
Richard Bailowitz for the donation of four pairs of binoculars.
Don and Carol Eagle for the donation of a Cannon Powershot Pro 9015camera and an Epson stylus photo printer.
David and Diane Reesor, our speakers from September’s Tucson MembershipMeeting, thrilled us all when they donated three of their beautiful puffinphotographs mounted on gatorboard ready to hang. They look spectacular inour renovated library at the University Blvd offices, please stop by and see them!
Jean Rios for her donation of bird and birding videos and books.
Ruth Russell for her donation of birding journals and a collection of birdingbooks.
Bob and Peggy Wenrick for their donation of an Epson 1270 printer capable ofcolor and large paper print jobs.
We quite simply couldn’t do it without your support and we thank you!
NOVEMBER 2006 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 19
Support Tucson Audubon…Become a Friend today!
Membership
$30/year – Individual
$45/year – Family
$20/year – Student
$20/year – Senior (62+)
Name __________________________________________
Address ________________________________________
City / State / Zip __________________________________
Email __________________________________________
Tel ____________________________________________
New membership
Renewing my membership
Please email me about Tucson Audubonevents and conservation issues.
Please do not share my contact information.
DonationI would like to support Tucson Audubon Society with anadditional contribution. The Tucson Audubon Society willuse the full amount of your tax-deductible gift for itsenvironmental, educational and recreational programs.
$25 $50 $100 $250 ____
Tucson Audubon Frequent FlyerMonthly Donor Program
I authorize the charge of $____ per monthfor ____ months to my credit card($10/month minimum)
Tucson Audubon Society300 E. University Blvd., #120, Tucson, AZ 85705Attention: Vivian MacKinnon, Membership Coordinator
Or jump onto our website to join, renewor donate: www.tucsonaudubon.org
Thank you for your generous supportof Tucson Audubon Society!
MembershipMeetingDirectionsTucson Parking:There is parking, for afee, in the multi-tieredPatient/Visitor parkingstructure close to theauditorium at UMC.
Free parking (after 5pm)is available south ofMabel Street and westof Warren.
Tucson Audubon Society300 E. University Blvd., #120Tucson, AZ 85705
NON-PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE
PAIDTUCSON, AZ
PERMIT #1345
The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the TucsonAudubon Society, a chapter of the National AudubonSociety. Members of other chapters may receive theFlycatcher by becoming a Friend of Tucson Audubon.See membership at www.tucsonaudubon.org.
Desperately Seeking Your Silly Photos!
Are you a budding shutterbug but somehow your photosalways turn out sillier than you’d hoped? Have you beencaught on film looking through the wrong end of yourbinoculars? Have you been compared to Ms. Jane
Hathaway of the Beverly Hillbillies when she’s out searching for the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker? Have you gotthat image on film? Then we need you!
For some reason the general public seems to think we’re all mirror images of Ms. Jane. We want to showthem that birding is a fun and positive way to enjoy the natural world and that we can enjoy a good laughat ourselves. We need your silly birding photos for a new promotion idea here at Tucson Audubon.
We are hoping to gather a series of photographs that can be used to generate some seriously funnypostcards. They will include our mission statement as well as contact and membership information on theback. The postcards will be given away free to the general public at events and at areas frequented byvisiting birders. Heck, they may even become collectibles!
Candid or staged, as long as the laugh generated is genuine your image could be just what we’re lookingfor. Please email your photos to Michael Monyak at [email protected] or bring them to eithershop on a CD. Please include your name and address so we can thank you appropriately (by postcardperhaps?). All photos will become the property of Tucson Audubon, but we’ll happily credit thephotographer (if they want the credit that is…).
