|
Tucson Audubon Society
May 14, 2024
View email online
| |
 Dear Jo,
Friend of Tucson Audubon and rainwater-harvesting guru Brad Lancaster has been consulting with us about how to make the most of the site at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia to enhance its value to birds and birders, and connectivity with the adjacent Patagonia-Sonoita Creek TNC Preserve. We're also looking for a volunteer cartographer to capture our plans on paper. Read more below.
Why not make the most of our cool mornings and enjoy some birding? Make a note of the birds you see. Then ask your friends to make a donation to Tucson Audubon to celebrate that fact. That's the essence of BIRDATHON which continues throughout April!
Last year we raised $30,000 through YOUR EFFORTS rather than your cash. Kara encourages you do be a part of BIRDATHON this year. Read more below.
Read your new 2013 Tucson Audubon Annual Report to understand why you would do this. See all the great conservation work that your spring donation makes possible. And if you don't have the time to do a BIRDATHON , then support one of the teams that does. It's so simple!
Tucson Audubon is still seeking to hire two new staffers. We are looking for a Membership and Development Assistant, and an Operations and Retail Coordinator. More details below.
And Tucson Audubon is still seeking your unwanted silverware and crockery. Please contact us.
Did you think this is the only email update Tucson Audubon sends out? Sign up for one or all of our updates for in-depth coverage of Patons', volunteer, sustainability, IBA, conservation news and more. Choose your news here.
Thank you for sharing your passion for birds through Tucson Audubon.
Nest Boxes (and Gourds!) for Urban Birds — Pilot Project Update
Lois Manowitz captured this beautiful shot of a Lucy’s Warbler currently nesting in the gourd Lois received from Tucson Audubon’s pilot nest box project. The project’s goal is to better support cavity-nesting species in urban areas by providing them with human-crafted nest sites. Several members of our volunteer hosting team have reported that Western Screech-owls are nesting in their boxes. And now, thanks to Lois, we have this welcome proof of a Lucy’s Warbler taking up residence in the new housing.
Our next step is placing temperature sensors in a number of the boxes to learn more about the suitability of these micro-habitats as our seasonal desert temperatures begin to climb. A pilot project for this year, Nest Boxes for Urban Birds will become a full program next year if it proves a conservation success.
Learn more about this project and see recent footage of Western Screech-owl
nestings from Carl Boswell's Oro Valley nest cam on our website at: www.tucsonaudubon.org/nestbox.
New Shop Openings, Plus Lots of Special Event Opportunities in the Next Month!
 Our downtown nature shop has three new openings. If you like talking about birds and birding, this is the place for you! We're looking for friendly faces for Thursday afternoons (1–4pm), Thursday mornings (10am–1pm), or second Saturday afternoons (1–4pm). Give it a try!
On Saturday, April 26, join Keith Ashley, Coordinator for the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, at EarthFest Patagonia! Volunteers needed to join Keith at our outreach table for a few hours, between 9am–4pm.
On Saturday, May 3rd, join Jennie MacFarland, Important Bird Area coordinator, at the San Pedro Festival in Winkelman. Carpool up with Jennie, and host an outreach and info table for festival attendees.
On Saturday, May 10th, host Tucson Audubon's presence at the International Migratory Bird Day in Madera Canyon.
On Friday or Saturday, May 2nd–3rd, staff our nature shop booth at the Santa Cruz Nature & Heritage Festival at the Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico.
These and more details at www.tucsonaudubon.org/volunteer
A Wetter and Birdier Future for Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds
|
Keith Ashley, Brad Lancaster and Paul Green tour the Paton Center last week.
|
Sustainability
and water-harvesting expert Brad Lancaster consulted with Tucson Audubon staff
last week to begin designing a water-harvesting site plan for the recently
acquired Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia.
By more efficiently gathering and directing
rainwater and graywater on the site, the Paton Center can feed new trees and gardens
while helping to keep the local watershed healthy. The new plan will also allow
the site to serve as a demonstration for the many ways in which homeowners can
be more savvy in their sustainable use of the Southwest’s most precious
resource: water.
Brad’s holistic approach to developing the natural assets of
the site will enhance visitors’ experience of the Paton Center’s connectivity
to our next-door neighbor: the Nature
Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. We’ll be grateful for your continued financial support to realize these
green dreams. Click here to support the Paton Hummingbird Center development.
Paton Center for Hummingbirds Seeks Volunteer with Drafting Skills
As we draw up our site plan for making improvements to the grounds at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, Tucson Audubon would benefit greatly from a volunteer with landscape design map-making skills. If you would be interested in contributing to this community effort by donating your time and expertise in drafting, please contact project coordinator Keith Ashley: kashley@tucsonaudubon.org. We would appreciate your help!
If you would like to be
kept up-to-date on the latest activities at Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for
Hummingbirds in Patagonia, please join our e-mail list and follow us on Facebook.
14th Annual Tucson Bird Count Has Begun!
 We need your help! Between April 15 and May 15 volunteers will conduct 5 minute point counts (on the morning of your choice) all over greater Tucson area and in Saguaro National Park.
Over the last 14 years volunteers have tabulated over half a million individual birds from 248 different species! This data helps towards the goal of making Tucson a more friendly place for birds through improved urban habitat.
For more information on how you can join the fun and adopt a route please visit the TBC info page here to see what routes are available.
Join One of Two Amazing Birdathon Trips Coming Up!
The Birdathon team outings, Scott's Orioles and IBA All the Way, offer high quality birding trips, expert leaders, an unmatched species diversity, and an unforgettable experience. A suggested donation of $200 means your birding day also generates critical funds towards the Birdathon fundraising goal of $25,000. All are invited to participate!
Tuesday, April 22nd...IBA All The Way!
Join Tucson Audubon's Important Bird Area Coordinating Biologist Jennie MacFarland for an "easy" Birdathon, starting at sunrise at Sweetwater and visiting IBAs such as Madera Canyon, the Santa Cruz at Tubac and others! Finish by 5pm at the latest.
Saturday, April 26...Scott's Orioles
Sky islands are mountain islands separated by surrounding desert and grassland plains, and are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Tour the Sky Islands with Scott to witness firsthand the significantly varied bird species to be found in each life zone. Scott and team will aim for 75-100 species. The day will start with a visit to Agua Caliente Park before the team heads up the Catalina Highway, looking for new birds in each of the different life zones.
This April, go birding for the birds. Details at www.tucsonaudubon.org/birdathon
Last Chance To Sign Up for These Two Workshops
Is citizen science for you?
Specialty Workshop:
For questions, contact Bete Jones.
Rare Chance To Survey On the Tohono O'odham Nation
 Join the Arizona Important Bird Areas Program for Breeding Bird Surveys on the Tohono O’odham Nation — April 17–18 THIS WEEK
This is the second year of these surveys where Tucson Audubon is teaming up with the Tohono O’odham tribe to monitor and Tucson Audubon volunteers have been especially invited to help by the tribe. For all three survey sessions we will drive out together to Sells, AZ and have been invited to stay in the local Recreation Center in Hickiwan. If you are interested in helping please let Jennie know as soon as you can, we need more people!
Arizona Important Bird Areas Surveys - Fill out the Survey!
The Arizona Important Bird Area Program has a fun and busy schedule of surveys coming up! We are going into the Lower San Pedro, searching SE Arizona's Sky Islands for Elegant Trogons, listening for Elf Owls in the Tucson area and much more!
If you are interested in helping with any of the surveys please take our easy online survey to reserve your spot.
The link is: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/tas/survey.jsp?surveyId=31&
Tucson Audubon Is Hiring Now!
Tucson Audubon is hiring new staffers in our Membership and Development Department and our Nature Shop. We are looking for:
- Membership and Development Assistant. Posted 19 March 2014
Be the wizard to manage our NEON database, and be the live connection with our members.
See the job description
- Operations and Retail Coordinator. Posted 15 April 2014
See the job description
Congratulations and Thanks to our Board MembersCongratulations and thanks to our three new board members who were elected at our Annual Member Meeting on Monday evening. Kathy Jacobs, Ed Curley and Jesus Garcia are now an important part of our team.
Congratulations and thanks also to Gavin Bieber, Richard Carlson, Jennie Duberstein, Debra Finch, Bob Hernbrode, John Kennedy, Ruth Russell and Claire Zucker for their reelection for a second three-year term.
And a huge thank you to Linda Stitzer for her most recent six years' of service. More information on our Board of Directors here.
Free Field Trips | Migration Has Begun!
NOTE: You are required to sign up ONLINE for all new trips.
April 26–Saturday 9:00AM
Silver Creek in the Chiricahuas
This seldom birded riparian area in the Chiricahuas always promises to be interesting. A new area for most birders. We will park near Silver Creek Spring and explore the canyon in both directions. Meet in front of bathrooms at the Sunny Flats Campground in Cave Creek at 9am. I am camping at that campground Friday night for those who also want to camp. You must register online HERE.Call leader for directions and information.
Leader: Betty Jones blueabies@aol.com or 520-405-0551
May 9–11
North American Migration Count at Q Ranch
The “Q” is a private ranch nestled in a Ponderosa pine and oak valley in northeast Gila County, below the Mogollon Rim. Enjoy a weekend of great birding (155 bird species documented) and gourmet food. Cost of the trip is $270 per person, double occupancy, which includes two nights lodging, a shared room and bath, and meals. For single occupancy, add $130. Reservations require a $135 deposit, with the remainder due on arrival.See the info sheet for details and a full itinerary.
Go to qranch.com to sign up or email leader Ken Furtado with questions, ken@qranch.com .
See all the field trips being offered, including weekly walks
Nature Shop's Blossoming Gift Basket Ideas
 Whether you are looking for Butterflies, Bitty Bunny, Endangered Species Chocolate Bars or a book on Wildflowers we have numerous of spring inspired items in the shop now.
A great addition to any bug lover's Easter Basket or library is, Tracks & Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates: A Guide to North American Species by Noah Charney. This book is the first-ever reference to the sign left by insects and other North American invertebrates.
It includes descriptions and almost 1,000 color photos of tracks, egg cases, nests, feeding signs, galls, webs, burrows, and signs of predation, making in an invaluable guide for wildlife professionals, naturalists, students, and insect specialists.
$39.95
The Nature Shop will be closed on Wednesday, April 30th, but will reopen on Thursday May 1st with normal business hours.
OPTICS
Zeiss Rebate now through May 4
Purchase a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 or 1042 and register for a $50.00 rebate. Purchase a pair of Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 and register for a $75.00 rebate or purchase a pair of Zeiss Victory HT 8x42 and register for $125.00 rebate.
 Nikon Monarch 7 10x42
The Nikon Monarch 7 10x42 binoculars are high-performance waterproof binoculars made for serious users who demand performance and premium quality. Inside their sleek, ergonomic housing, there is an array of optical and technical innovations, including ED glass (Extra-low Dispersion glass) with a dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating and phase-correction-coated roof prisms to deliver crisp, bright, true-color images to your eye. The Nikon Monarch 7 10x42 feature an almost unprecedentedly wide field of view for their size, and superior ergonomics, with a high eyepoint design that provides a clear field of view, even for eyeglass wearers.
Member Price $449.96/ Non
Member $499.95
Tucson Audubon's Nature Shops are the best place in our region to try and buy binoculars. Check out our prices and you can see why. Come in and see us for the top brands.
Need
directions to our Nature
Shops? Find all the info here.
Conservation News
Rosemont: The Latest: Protecting Our Natural Hertiage
Last week the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) wrote to the ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) expressing concern regarding the proposed Rosemont mine’s draft Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification (see the letter).
The EPA found the ADEQ's draft currently insufficient in assuring protection of Outstanding Arizona Waters (OAWs Davidson Canyon and Cienega Creek, degradation of which is not allowed under state law), assessing sediment transport and assimilative capacity over the life of the project, and assessing the project's ability to mitigate the anticipated reduction in volume of stormwater runoff.
The EPA expressed concern regarding reliance on the assumptions of the Forest Service’s modeling and analysis of reduction in downstream perennial water quality and streamflows, related groundwater drawdown, and cumulative impacts.
The EPA states that because monitoring for sediment and flow changes is only required on Forest Service lands, it may not capture impacts to OAWs and recommends, at minimum, that adverse changes to OAWs should require immediate suspension of the 401 certification and thus the CWA 404 permit.
The EPA first notified the Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for issuing a CWA 404 permit, of water quality concerns February 13, 2012 and finds the current draft 401 certification inadequate in addressing their concerns regarding the protection of Davidson Canyon and Cienega Creek.
Paying Farmers To Welcome Birds
The Central Valley was once one of North America’s most productive wildlife habitats, a 450-mile-long expanse marbled with meandering streams and lush wetlands that provided an ideal stop for migratory shorebirds on their annual journeys from South America and Mexico to the Arctic and back.
Farmers and engineers have long since tamed the valley. But now an unusual alliance of conservationists, bird watchers and farmers have joined in an innovative plan to restore essential habitat for the migrating birds.
Read about the BirdReturns program.
Dates For Your Calendar
Wednesdays
Sweetwater Wetlands Bird Walk. Join Mike S. for an easy walk through the wetlands to see waterfowl in the hundreds, regular and visiting warblers, and several exciting species hiding in the reeds. Birders of all experience levels welcome! Contact leader for start time and to sign up, mike.sadat@gmail.com .
Every Thursday!
Wake Up With the Birds at Agua Caliente Park. Explore the ponds and Molino Basin occasionally. FREE. Call 615-7855 for meeting time or see tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips.html.
Saturdays
Mason Center Beginner Bird Walks. Saturdays at 8am. RSVP to volunteer@tucsonaudubon.org or 520-209-1811. 3835 W. Hardy Rd
April
Birdathon. Choose a day in April to be your Big Day, and bird for the birds! Details and events at www.tucsonaudubon.org/birdathon Join an expert-led Big Day to to spot up to 100 or more species, guided by the pros. Choose from Birds of Fray (4/6), Scott's Orioles (4/26), or the Wrenegades (4/27).
May 1–4, 2014
Santa Cruz Nature and
Heritage Festival. Birding and History Along the Santa Cruz. Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico, Arizona. See website www.santacruznatureheritage.org
August 13–17, 2014
Registration now open for the Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival. Featuring Steve N.G. Howell. Visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/festival to peruse the offerings for the fourth annual Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival, and register today!
Thank you, Jo, for joining with us in 2014 to protect birds, other wildlife, and the places they live in southern Arizona, for future generations.
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Paul Green
Executive Director | Tucson Audubon
Connecting
people with birds & the places they live
  
Montezuma Quail banner by John Hoffman
|
| |
|
|
|
Email Marketing By
|
|
|
|
|
