ArizonA’s importAnt Bird AreAsaziba.org/IBA-profiles-booklet-121113-screen-lr-ce.pdfin a broad semi-desert grassland in Southeastern Arizona. It is a 13 square mile sanctuary from

ArizonA’s importAnt Bird AreAs

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Agua Fria national monument riparian Corridors iBA

Size: 26.31 square miles, 16843 acresIdentified: 01/2004. Recognized: 01/2010Visiting the iBA: The Agua Fria National Monument is located 40 miles north of Phoenix, AZ. It is easily accessed by traveling on Interstate 17 to the Badger Springs Exit (Exit #256), Bloody Basin Road Exit (Exit #259) or Cordes Lakes and Dugas exits. site DescriPtion: Agua Fria National Monument consists of semi-desert grassland mesas with pockets of chaparral, mesquite and desert riparian communities. A number of wells and watering tanks create very local microhabitats. The IBA is the deeply cut canyons of the Agua Fria River and tributaries that contain mature riparian forests of Fremont cottonwood, Goodding and other willows, Arizona ashand Arizona sycamore. At the lower end of the main canyon above Black Canyon City this habitat is dominated by cottonwoods and merges into sycamore dominated riparian forests at the highest altitudes.. BirDs: Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Breeding: Great Blue Heron, Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-throated Hummingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Juniper Titmouse, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock’s Oriole, and Hooded Oriole.Migration: Swainson’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Red-naped Sapsucker, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Gray Vireo, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Lark Bunting, and Brewer’s Sparrow.conserVAtion concerns: Grassland and riparian habitat health requires management of grazing, off highway vehicle travel and fire. Loss of the grasslands impacts the small Pronghorn Antelope population and the grassland bird assemblage (sparrows, meadowlarks, and Gambel’s quail). Immediate concerns are: spread of invasive plants and animals such as tamarisk and crayfish, illegal off-road vehicle use,. Upstream groundwater extraction and development Strategies: Off-highway vehicle management, seasonal exclusion of livestock from the riparian areas and fire management through prescription fires.conserVAtion stewArDs: Sonoran Audubon Society and Friends of Agua Fria National Monument

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Anderson mesa iBA

Global IBA for Pinyon JaySize: 261 square miles, 167509 acres Identified: 01/2004. Global: 10/2009Visiting the iBA: Located 20 miles southeast of Flagstaff, take the Lake Mary Road exit and travel east on Forest Road 3. Mormon Lake Lodge is located on the south side of Mormon Lake. There are overlooks, trails and two-track roads throughout. ownershiP: Coconino National Forest and private landowners. site DescriPtion: Anderson Mesa begins about 9 miles southeast of Flagstaff and is a gently sloping tableland for approximately 25 miles to the southeast. The northern lakes are Marshall, Lower and Upper Lakes Mary, and Mormon. Ashurst and kinnikinck Lakes are more central. The southern lakes are Long, Soldiers’, Soldiers’ Annex, Tremaine and Hay. Along the length of the mesa are many ephemeral wetlands of varying sizes. Low bluffs outline part of the western edge and Lakes Mary & Mormon are below the bluffs. Various habitats are coniferous & deciduous trees, shrubs, small canyons, open grasslands, seasonal marsh wetlands, and shallow wet meadows. The central portion of mesa is made up of plains grasslands, habitat for Pronghorn Antelope herds.BirDs: Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Breeding: The pinyon and juniper woodlands provide significant habitat for Pinyon Jay, and the IBA has global recognition for this species. Cinnamon Teal, Band-tailed Pigeon, Virginia Rail, Sora, Osprey, Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Purple Martin, Virginia’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Migration: A significant migration stop over site for waterfowl, water birds, and wading birds during years when sufficient moisture occurs during the winter. Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, American Avocet, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, White-faced Ibis and American White Pelican.conserVAtion concerns: Grassland and wetlands habitat health requires management of grazing, off highway vehicle travel and fire. Loss of the grasslands impacts the Pronghorn Antelope population and the grassland bird assemblage (primarily horned larks, sparrows, and meadowlarks). Immediate concerns are: Drought, fire, and grazing in wetlands by livestock and wildlife. Strategies: Off-highway vehicle management, exclusion of livestock and elk from wetland areas, replanting wetland species, and fire management through prescription fires.conserVAtion stewArDs: Northern Arizona Audubon Society and Arizona Antelope Foundation


Appleton-Whittell research ranch of the nAs iBA

Size: 12 square miles, 7723 acresIdentified: 01/2004Visiting the iBA: Visitors are asked to e-mail [email protected] or call 520-455-5522 before scheduling a trip. This IBA is located south of the town of Elgin. The miles before the ranch are not paved but are in good condition. ownershiP: National Audubon Society, Swift Land and Cattle, Coronado National Forest, Bureau of Land Management.site DescriPtion: The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society (the IBA) is located in a broad semi-desert grassland in Southeastern Arizona. It is a 13 square mile sanctuary from which livestock has been excluded since 1968. It encompasses a mix of habitats including semi-desert uplands, oak savannahs, and oak woodlands cut by small ephemeral creeks with riparian habitat.BirDs: Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Breeding: Scaled Quail, Montezuma Quail, American kestrel, Burrowing Owl, Gray Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Eastern Bluebird, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Western kingbird, Cassin’s kingbird, Lucy’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Botteri’s Sparrow -wintering, Cassin’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark (Lillian’s).Migration and Winter: Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Harrier, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-chinned Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and Sprague’s Pipit conserVAtion concerns: Grassland habitat health requires management of grazing, off highway vehicle travel and fire. Loss of grasslands impacts the Pronghorn Antelope population and the grassland bird assemblage. Immediate concerns are: invasion of exotic grass species (Lehman and Boer lovegrasses, Johnson grass and Bermuda), wild fire, Strategies: Entire site is a protected area. The BLM property is part of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area and the Forest Service portion is designated a Research Natural Area. All roads except the main access road are designated administrative only. Prescription fire and control of invasive plants and animals (grasses, blackberry and bullfrogs)conserVAtion stewArDs: Audubon Arizona and The Research Ranch Foundation

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Arivaca Cienega and Creek iBA

Size: 7.7 square miles, 4930 acresIdentified: 07/2002Visiting the iBA: From Tucson take Highway 286 south from Three Points to milepost 12. Turn left and drive east 12 miles to Arivaca. From Interstate 19, take the Amado/Arivaca exit west, turn right at the T, then left at the Cow Palace onto Arivaca Road. Then drive 23 miles to Arivaca. Arivaca Cienega Trail is ¼ mile east of Arivaca; Arivaca Creek Trail is 2 miles west of town. ownershiP: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Trust Lands, Private (with permission)site DescriPtion: This IBA is rare desert cienega and connected creek system in southern Arizona. These wet habitats are just a small part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 118,000 acres. The cienega is supported by seven springs. Arivaca Creek in most years is a perennial creek for 2 miles of its 5½-mile length to where it joins the Brawley Wash system. BirDs: This IBA is important in Arizona because it supports significant numbers of species of conservation status including: Breeding: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gray Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk (Arivaca Creek), Lucy’s Warbler, and Black-bellied Whistling Duck, and small but reliable numbers of nesting Costa’s Hummingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Tropical and Thick-billed kingbirds, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and Varied Bunting. Buff-collared Nightjar, a rare species, has been known to nest along Arivaca Creek. Migration: Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, Lucy’s Warbler,Winter: Many sparrows including Brewer’s, Cassin’s, and Grasshopper Sparrows. There is also an influx of raptors and wading birds including Peregrine Falcon and Great Egret conserVAtion concerns: Water table drawdown, grazing, cowbird parasitism, non-native plants and animals (bullfrog). Strategies: National Wildlife Refuge expansion, bullfrog control, acquisition of water rights.conserVAtion stewArDs: Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge www.friendsofbanwr.org/

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Aubrey Valley and Cliffs iBA

Size: 385 square miles, 246,538 acresIdentified: 10/2011Visiting the iBA: Primary access is at Pika Camp gate located north of old Route 66 just before milepost 123. Go through a large gate named Pica Camp and proceed approximately 2.5 miles to a sign in station. Roads are graded, and high clearance vehicles are recommended.site DescriPtion: This site is home to Arizona’s largest colony of Gunnison’s prairie dogs, and for this reason it was also designated as a reintroduction site for black-footed ferrets. The large prairie dog population also provides a regional prey base for resident and migrating raptors, including Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks as well as synoptic species like Burrowing Owls. The extensive northsouth cliff line provides abundant raptor nesting and perching opportunities. BirDs: Sixteen species of raptor have been reported in this IBA. Species of special conservation status and interest include:Breeding: American kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Great-horned Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Gray Vireo, Gray Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Eastern Meadowlark, Western Meadowlark Black-throated Sparrow, Lark Sparrow Migration: Northern Harrier, Zone-tailed Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bald EagleconserVAtion concerns: Wind energy development, grazing and off highway vehicle travel. Strategies: Supporting collection of raptor occurrence data at this location and recommending against wind development that would risk collision of raptors and other wildlife with turbine blades. Big Boquillas Ranch in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department has a sign in for public visitors and manages off road activity.

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Bill Williams river national Wildlife refuge iBA

Global IBA for Bell’s Vireo and California Black Rail; Continental IBA for Clark’s Grebe, Yuma Clapper Rail, and Western Yellow-billed CuckooSize: 9.4 square miles, 6000 acresIdentified: 01/2004. Global: 10/2010. Continental: 10/2011Visiting the site: To get to Bill Williams River NWR from Lake Havasu City, Arizona follow Arizona Highway 95 south approximately 23 miles. Headquarters are located between mileposts 160 and 161. ownershiP: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicesite DescriPtion: The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, the IBA, a nine-mile corridor and delta, is the last extensive naturally flood-regenerated riparian and wetlands habitat on the Lower Colorado River. This riparian zone is an area of year-around available water and riparian vegetation creating cooler, more humid conditions than the surrounding desert where rainfall averages only 3 inches per year and summer temperature often exceed 120 degrees. Habitats consist of extensive mesquite bosque and desert uplands, as well as cottonwood-willow, bulrush, cattail, and seep willow.BirDs: This IBA is a stopover for neotropical migrants using the Colorado River flyway as well as being important wintering habitat for many northern species. Overall 343 species have been recorded on the refuge. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Breeding: California Black Rail, Yuma Clapper Rail, American Bittern, Clark’s Grebe, Cooper’s Hawk, Elf Owl, Burrowing Owl, Snowy Egret, Great Egret Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Crissal, Bendire’s and Curve Billed Thrashers, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat. Bell’s Vireo estimated numbers is 2700 individual birds.Migration: American Avocet, Western Grebe, Tree Swallow, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bald EagleconserVAtion concerns: Wind energy development, grazing and off highway vehicle travel. Strategies: Colorado River Multi-Species Management Plan, no recreational watercraft allowed in marsh habitat, designation as a national wildlife refuge.conserVAtion stewArDs: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge Friends www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/billwill.html and Prescott Audubon Society

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Blue and san Francisco rivers ecosystem iBA

Size: 166.6 square miles, 106,642 acresIdentified: 01/2004Visiting the site: Located adjacent to the New Mexico border and located northeast of Clifton and south of Alpine. For access from the north and Alpine take county route 12 toward Reserve, N.M. and Luna Lake. Turn south on Forest Road 281 into the IBA and to a trailhead into the Blue Primitive Area. The Strayhorse Trail is a hiking access into the middle of the IBA from the west. The trailhead is at Rose Peak campground on Highway 191 Forest Road 475 at the Juan Miller campgrounds is a dirt road access about 25 miles north of Clifton. The San Francisco River portion of the IBA is very remote.ownershiP: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (private lands with permission)site DescriPtion: Elevation ranges from nearly 9,000 feet at the highest points of the Campbell Blue headwaters near Alpine to about 3,300 feet along the San Francisco near Clifton. Of the total 400,000-acre Blue River watershed, 99% is managed by the U.S. Forest Service for the public. Fifty-five percent of the watershed is a designated Primitive Area. The Blue and San Francisco River systems are free-flowing, perennial riverine systems. Cottonwoods, willows, alders, and sycamores are the dominant riverside trees. The upland habitats are pine and mixed conifer at its highest points, and gradually including habitats such as pinyon-juniper, Madrean oak and chaparral in its middle elevational ranges, and desert grassland with mesquite in its lower segment. The river corridor and its uplands also include areas that are canyon confined, with high, rocky cliffsBirDs: To date, 216 species have been documented in this IBA with 138 likely breeding. Breeding: Conservation status species include: Mexican Spotted Owl Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Gray Catbird, Bendire’s Thrasher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Juniper Titmouse, Gray Vireo, Black-chinned Sparrow, and American Dipper. Non-conservation status breeding species include: Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Goshawk and White-throated Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red-faced Warbler, and Common Black-HawkMigration: Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Solitary Sandpiper, Willow Flycatcher. American Avocet, Western Grebe, Tree Swallow, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, and Bald EagleconserVAtion concerns: Historically, the greatest stress to the river system has been caused by livestock grazing, which caused significant hydrological changes. The U.S. Forest Service has acted to remove most livestock grazing from the main Blue River over the last decade, allowing for the natural regeneration of the riparian habitat and recovery of natural hydrological processes. Exotic crayfish are present in the streams and pose significant threat to native fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates on which native species depend.conserVAtion stewArDs: White Mountains Audubon Society, Arizona Wilderness Coalition

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Boyce thompson Arboretum and Arnett-Queen Creeks iBA

Size: 4.8 square miles, 3,071 acresIdentified: 01/2004. Recognized: 05/2007Visiting the site: From Phoenix: Take Highway 60 east toward Superior until you reach milepost #223. Drive takes about an hour. From Tucson: Take Oracle Road north, turn left at highway 79 and continue through and past Florence to highway 60, then turn right and continue 12 miles east. Drive takes about 2 hours. ownershiP: Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Tonto National Forestsite DescriPtion: This IBA includes the north slope of Picketpost Mountain, foothill canyons and ridges, and two intermittent creeks. The 100-acre tract of botanical gardens open to the public is used for education, research, land conservation, and low-impact recreation. BirDs: Within the Superior Christmas Bird Count circle, this IBA is a noted bird watching spot. Rarities include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, and Rufous-backed Robin. Breeding: Common-Black Hawk, Golden Eagle (Picket Post), Zone-tailed Hawk, Purple Martin, Elf Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gilded Flicker, Costa’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Crissal Thrasher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Summer Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, and Hooded Oriole.Migration: Gray Flycatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Brewer’s Sparrow, Tree Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Varied Bunting, and Lawrence’s Goldfinch.Winter: Red-naped Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco.eBirD focus sPecies: Purple Martin, Gilded Flicker, Costa’s Hummingbird, Crissal Thrasher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler and Abert’s Towhee.conserVAtion issues: Wild fire, flash flooding, and drought. Strategies: Tonto Forest has designated this segment of Arnett Creek a native fish management area. Protective management by Boyce Thompson Arboretum helps maintain the habitat quality of this IBA.conserVAtion stewArD: Boyce Thompson Arboretum www.ag.arizona.edu/bta

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California Gulch iBA

Size: 3.2 square miles, 2,042 acresIdentified: 07/2002Visiting the site: From the town of Arivaca drive south on the Ruby Road for less than 11 miles and take the second FR 217 turnoff that is prominently marked by a Forest Service “CALIF. GULCH” sign. The road is rugged and requires a high clearance vehicle. Audubon chapters occasionally lead field trips to this IBA. Detailed instructions can be found in the book Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona.ownershiP: Coronado National Forestsite DescriPtion: In the remote Pajarito Mountains of southeast Arizona California Gulch IBA is a unique thornscrub vegetated canyon. California Gulch IBA is 5 miles west of Sycamore Canyon IBA. The canyon is unique with its dense shrub layer on its steep sides, and a perennial spring-fed stream draining into Mexico.BirDs: This area is well known among birders for the rare species found here at times.Year-round: Montezuma Quail, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Cactus Wren, and Black-throated SparrowBreeding: California Gulch has a small but consistent population of Five-striped Sparrows (10 to 15 pairs), Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Elegant Trogon, Tropical kingbird, Thick-billed kingbird, Rose-throated Becard, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Varied Bunting, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Vermilion Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin’s kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Purple Martin, Abert’s Towhee, and Buff-collared Nightjar, a rare species in Arizona.Migration: Rufous Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Tree Swallow, Hermit Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, and Blue Grosbeak.Winter: Red-naped Sapsucker, Gray Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Townsend’s Solitaire, Green-tailed Towhee.eBirD focus sPecies: Five-striped Sparrow, Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Elegant Trogon, Tropical kingbird, Thick-billed kingbird, Montezuma Quail, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Varied Bunting, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Purple Martin, and Abert’s Towhee.conserVAtion issues: Water quality from past mining activities, grazing, illegal activities (drugs and immigrants). Strategies: Border enforcement, Coronado Forest land management plan.

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Cave Creek ecosystem iBA

Size: 4.2 square miles, 2,657 acresIdentified: 06/2009Visiting the iBA: Access to the Tonto National Forest, including the Seven Springs Recreation Area and the Cave Creek Trail, is via Seven Springs Road (Forest Road 24) north of Scottsdale. The Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and the Jewel of the Creek Preserve are located at the north end of Spur Cross Road in Cave Creek. Access to the Seitts and Watt preserves is via an easement at the intersection of Creek Canyon Road and Cloud Road in Cave Creek. The Desert Enclave Preserve is accessible from the west via Cloud Road. Public access is allowed on the Tonto National Forest, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and designated locations on Desert Foothills Land trust properties.ownershiP: Tonto National Forest, Spur Cross Conservation Area (Maricopa County Park), Desert Foothills Land Trust, Private (Permission only)site DescriPtion: Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA is located in the Sonoran Desert Eco-region, specifically the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran desertscrub biome. The IBA encompasses cottonwood/willow/sycamore and mesquite bosque riparian areas along with associated desert scrub uplands. Flowing or standing water is present in many places and there is considerable elevation change and habitat diversity in this IBA. Much of the land is publicly owned and in a natural undisturbed state is an exceptional example of a lowland mesic and xeric southwestern riparian community with adjoining undisturbed high quality upland Sonoran desertscrub vegetation. The perennial water found in reaches of Cave Creek supports a healthy high quality cottonwood/willow and sycamore vegetation and ecological community.BirDs: The IBA is within the Cave Creek and Carefree Christmas Bird Count. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: Sonoran desert; Gambel’s Quail, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Black-throated Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Northern Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch. Breeding: With the riparian community type; Common Black-Hawk, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Song Sparrow (localized to Jewel Preserve), Blue Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and Bullock’s Oriole. Sonoran desert; White-winged Dove, Costa’s Hummingbird, and Elf OwlconserVAtion concerns: Water quantity from upstream diversions, historic grazing. Strategies: All of the IBA is excluded from cattle grazing and public recreation is primarily hiking and equestrian use on developed trails. Spur Cross Conservation Area and Tonto National Forest Land Use Plan.stewArDs: Desert Foothills Land Trust www.dflt.org/

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Chiricahua moutains iBA

Global IBA for Mexican Spotted OwlSize: 452.5 square miles, 289,600 acresIdentified: 04/2003. Global:10/2009Visiting the iBA: From Sierra Vista go east on Hwy 90 then south on Hwy 80 to Bisbee; continue east on Hwy 80 to Douglas; continue northeast on Hwy 80 to Rodeo, NM; and finally go west on Portal Road about 2 miles north of Rodeo. This route is entirely blacktop and is an all-weather route.site DescriPtion: This IBA encompasses the large “sky island” mountain range, the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona almost 40 miles long by 20 miles wide. The IBA extends from 5000 feet elevation, at the ecotone between grassland and oak, to the top of Chiricahua Peak at 9795 feet. Sierra Madrean species reach the northernmost extension of their ranges within this IBA. This IBA is notable for the incredible diversity of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species that occur here due to the numerous life zones that overlap in this sky island.BirDs: The Chiricahua Range is where the interior Rocky Mountain and the northern Sierra Madrean avifauna meet, making this IBA a coveted bird watching destination. This IBA is within the Portal Christmas Bird Count circle. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: Wild Turkey (Gould’s race), Scaled Quail, Montezuma Quail, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Mexican Spotted Owl, Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Chickadee (found only in the Chiricahua and Animas Mountains in the U.S.), Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-eyed Junco, Black-chinned Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, and Pyrrhuloxia.Breeding: Band-tailed Pigeon, Short-tailed Hawk (rare), Apache Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Elegant Trogon, Eared Quetzal (rare), Broad-billed Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Flammulated Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, Elf Owl, Greater Pewee, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Grace’s Warbler, Olive Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Historically, Thick-billed Parrots occupied the Chiricahua MountainsMigration: Blue-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker (winter), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Brewer’s SparrowconserVAtion concerns: Historic grazing, wild fire, soil erosion. Uncontrollable wild fires have plagued this IBA over the past decade. The higher elevation mixed conifer forest habitats have been severely impacted by recent fires.

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Cibola national Wildlife refuge iBA

Size: 22.8 square miles, 14,578 acresIdentified: 06/2008Visiting the site: From Blythe, go approximately 3 miles west on I-10 to Neighbours Boulevard/78 exit. Go south on Neighbours for 12 milesto the Cibola Bridge. After crossing the bridge, continue south for 3.5 miles to headquarters.site DescriPtion: Cibola NWR is located in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River surrounded by a fringe of desert ridges and washes. The refuge encompasses both the historic Colorado River channel as well as a channelized portion constructed in the late 1960’s. Along with these main water bodies, several important backwaters are home to many wildlife species that reside in this portion of the Sonoran Desert. Because of the river’s life sustaining water, wildlife at the refuge survives in an environment that reaches 120 degrees in the summer and receives an average of only 2 inches of rain per year. Cibola Lake is closed in the winter to provide a safe, undisturbed roosting area for wintering waterfowl and other wildlife.BirDs: The largest portion of the lower Colorado River population of greater Sandhill Cranes winter on this refuge.Year-round: American kestrel, Gamble’s Quail, Clark’s Grebe, Western Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Bittern, Greater Yellowlegs, Burrowing Owl, Abert’s Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird, and killdeer.Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, Least Bittern, Western kingbird, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lesser Nighthawk and Black-necked Stilt. Migration: White-fronted Goose (mid to late September), White-faced Ibis, American Avocet, Black Terns, Dowitchers, Long-billed Curlew, Wilson’s Phalarope, Western Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, and Wilson’s Warbler.Winter: Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Ross’ Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Harrier, Wilson’s Snipe, and Belted Kingfisher.eBirD Priority sPecies: Abert’s Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, and Bell’s Vireo.conserVAtion concerns: Saltcedar encroachment has consumed thousands of acres in upland and riparian areas. Restored sites contain mixed stands of Fremont cottonwoods, willows, and mesquites.

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Gilbert riparian preserves iBA

Size: 0.3 square miles, 200 acresIdentified: 01/2007Visiting the site: Take US 60 to the Greenfield Road Exit. South on Greenfield and drive south to Guadalupe. The entrance to the parking lot is east of Greenfield on Guadalupe. Winter and spring are the best times to visit.ownershiP: Town of Gilbertsite DescriPtion: The Gilbert Riparian Preserves IBA contains two areas: the Water Ranch and Neely Ponds, consisting of riparian, upland, and open water habitats. The wetlands have ponds of varying water levels that also provide roosting and foraging habitat for many waterbird and waterfowl species. The upland habitat is native desert scrub, as well as sedge and grasslands in dry basins.BirDs: Maricopa and Desert Rivers Audubon Society members regularly offer bird walks and beginning birder classes. This IBA is a migration and over-wintering concentration “hot spot” for shorebirds in Arizona and Shorebird diversity is high with 14 species using the wetland basins. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, American kestrel, Double-crested Cormorant, Neotropic Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-bellied Whistling DuckMigration: killdeer, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher (rare), Long-billed Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper (rare), Wilson’s Snipe, and Wilson’s Phalarope.Winter: Canada Goose, Shoveler, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Pintail, Ring-necked Duck. Mallard, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, and Loggerhead Shrike.conserVAtion AnD threAts: The primary purpose of the site is treatment of waste water for the city of Gilbert. Management of the water system will influence water quality and quantity. Threats to birds using the site include anaerobic water conditions that may facilitate botulism outbreaks, predation by feral cats, and disturbance from human activities-including recreational and facility management. Water management by Town of Gilbert, humane removal of feral cats.

JOHNIDA DOCkENS

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Grand Canyon np – Lipan and Yaki iBA

Size: 778 square miles, 497,894 acresIdentified: 07/2002Visiting the iBA: To visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where Lipan and Yaki Points are located, take I-17 North to Flagstaff, Arizona and then take Highway 89 North to just before Cameron and take State road 64 West to the Park. Fall and Spring are the best times to visit. ownershiP: Grand Canyon National Parksite DescriPtion: This IBA includes the entire Grand Canyon National Park and two hawk watch points on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Lipan and Yaki PointsBirDs: The Grand Canyon cliff promontories function as important air space of a major migratory corridor for raptors. Up to 19 species have been recorded at least once, and 10,000 to 12,000 individuals average per fall migration season. Two to three nest sites for the endangered California Condor are documented within the canyon. Bald Eagles fish the trout rich waters of the Colorado River in the winter.Breeding: 48 bird species regularly nest along the river and the inner canyons, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcons and Golden Eagle, Mexican Spotted Owl, Bell’s Vireo and Lucy’s Warbler. The forested habitat has nesting Northern goshawk and Cassin’s Finch. Pinyon Jay are in the Pinyon and juniper habitat.Migration: Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Rough-winged Hawk, Cooper’s hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American kestrel, Merlin, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Turkey VultureconserVAtion concerns: Low-flying site seeing aircraft is a potential threat, but otherwise this site faces no threats.site stewArDshiP: Hawk Watch International for the raptor monitoring. Monitoring dates are August 27 to November 5. Information about the hawk monitoring and how you can help by being a hawk watch volunteer can be found at: http://www.hawkwatch.org/migration

JEREMY WILBURN

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Havasu national Wildlife refuge iBA

Size: 61.4 square miles, 39,281 acresIdentified: 06/2008Visiting the iBA: The refuge office is in Needles, California. From Interstate 40, exit on J Street and go southwest (uphill) 0.6 miles. Turn right at the headquarters entrance sign and follow the signs. The office is in the back. Office hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. Best time to visit is from late fall to early spring.site DescriPtion: The refuge protects 30 river miles and 300 miles of shoreline from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River flows through the 20-mile-long Topock Gorge. The 4,000-acre Topock Marsh depends on water from the Colorado River. 32 percent of the refuge is designated as wilderness.BirDs: The refuge shelters thousands of Canada and snow geese and ducks each winter. Western and Clark’s grebes raise their young in both Topock Marsh and Topock Gorge, early spring nesting California Black Rail, Yuma Clapper Rail, and Least Bittern can be heard and maybe seen if you take a canoe or kayak trip through Topock Gorge. Herons and egrets also nest in rookeries in the marsh.Year-round: Sonoran desert; Gambel’s Quail, Anna’s Hummingbird, Burrowing Owl, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert’s Towhee. Breeding: White-winged Dove, Costa’s Hummingbird,Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Song Sparrow, Hooded Oriole, and Bullock’s Oriole. conserVAtion issues: Salt cedar, a tree originally from Asia, aggressively takes over disturbed areas along the Colorado River and native cottonwood and willow trees cannot compete. Strategies: Havasu NWR works to control salt cedar and re-establish native riparian forests. To protect floating nest birds, jet powered personal watercraft (PWC) are not allowed in backwaters off the main Colorado River channel for the 15-mile stretch from the Island/Castle Rock location, north to the Interstate 40 bridge, buoy line.

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Huachuca mountains iBA

Size: 157.9 square miles, 101,028 acresIdentified: 01/2004 Visiting the site: To reach the most popular birding sites in the Huachucas, you must go through Fort Huachuca. Please note that everyone in the car must have a valid ID and your car must have current registration and insurance. Enter Fort Huachuca from Sierra Vista. Follow south on the main road 9.5 miles to Garden Canyon as indicated by the signs. For the more adventuresome Lyle and Sunnyside Canyons on the west side are wonderful birding destinations accessible from the Parker Canyon road south of Sonoita. Directions to other birding sites in this range can be found in Finding Birds in SE Arizona.ownershiP: Coronado National Forest and Fort Huachucha (Permission Only) and Private (Permission Only)site DescriPtion: Four major peaks dominate the 20-mile long mountain range; Miller Peak (9,466 ft), Carr (9,220 ft), Ramsey (8,725 ft), and Huachuca Peak (8,410 ft). The highest elevations are mixed conifer forests dominated by Chihuahua Pine. The lower slopes are Madrean Oak woodlands and savannahs and the riparian canyons are populated with large Sycamore, Arizona Ash and Alder trees mixed with large live oaks, alligator juniper, and pine.BirDs: The Huachuca Mountains support an incredible number of avian “species of conservation concern”, some of which are found only in the United States in the border “Sky Island” mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona. A particularly unique feature of this range is the convergence of Rocky Mountain and Sierra Madrean bird populations, for example Virginia’s and Black-throated Gray Warblers of the interior Rocky Mountains and Red-faced and Olive Warblers of the Sierra Madres both occurring in the IBA and the co-occurrence of nesting Eastern and the Western Bluebird. Part of this IBA is within the Ramsey Canyon Christmas Bird Count circle.Year-round: Wild Turkey (Gould’s race), Scaled Quail, Montezuma Quail, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Mexican Spotted Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, Yellow-eyed Junco, Black-chinned Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Eastern Meadowlark, and Pyrrhuloxia.Breeding: Band-tailed Pigeon, Apache Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Elegant Trogon, Eared Quetzal (rare), Berylline Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird,

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Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Flammulated Owl, Elf Owl, Greater Pewee, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Eastern and Western Bluebird, Grace’s Warbler, Olive Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Botteri’s Sparrow, Cassin’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Migration: Blue-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker (winter), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Brewer’s SparrowconserVAtion concerns: Salt cedar, a tree originally from Asia, aggressively takes over disturbed areas along the Colorado River and native cottonwood and willow trees cannot compete. Strategies: Havasu NWR works to control salt cedar and re-establish native riparian forests. To protect floating nest birds, jet powered personal watercraft (PWC) are not allowed in backwaters off the main Colorado River channel for the 15-mile stretch from the Island/Castle Rock location, north to the Interstate 40 bridge, buoy line.site stewArDshiP: Huachucha Audubon Society and Birdland Ranch in Algerita Canyon on the west side and The Nature Conservancy Ramsey Canyon Preserve on the east side.

BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER / DOMINIC SHERONY


imperial national Wildlife refuge iBA

Size: 49.3 square miles, 31,558 acresIdentified: 06/2008Visiting the iBA: From Yuma: Travel north on Highway 95. Near Milepost 47 turn left onto Martinez Lake Road. Follow Martinez Lake Road west for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto Red Cloud Mine Road and follow signs directing you to the Visitor Center.site DescriPtion: A 30-mile reach of the Colorado River bisects the refuge. Over 14,000 acres of the Refuge’s desert upland habitats are designated Wilderness. Major resource initiatives on the refuge include restoration of native riparian habitats and wetlands to benefit migratory birds and other riparian-obligate species. BirDs: Spring and Fall offer the greatest variety of birds and the best birding opportunities. 275 species have been observed on the refuge. Also, the refuge is important as a wintering area for Canada geese and many species of ducks. Part of this IBA is within the Yuma Christmas Bird Count circle. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers, Phainopepla, Verdin, Crissal Thrasher, Abert’s TowheeBreeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, California Black Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Clark’s & Western Grebes, Common Poorwill, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler (early spring), Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager,Migration: Sandhill Crane (rare, migration & winter), Willow FlycatcherWinter: Canada and White-fronted Geese, Tundra Swan (rare, winter), Peregrine & Prairie Falcons, Bald Eagle, Sage SparrowconserVAtion concerns: Historic loss of cottonwood and willow and marshlands habitats from the impacts of dikes, diversion canals and dams on natural hydrologic regime. Strategies: The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Plan is implementing riparian forest restoration projects.site stewArD: Yuma Audubon Society

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imperial reservoir iBA

Size: 5.5 square miles, 3,535 acresIdentified: 01/2002Visiting the site: Fisher’s Landing and campground located on the north end of the reservoir and Imperial Dam and Hidden Shores Resort on the south end are places with good access. An excellent resource for birding this IBA and the lower Colorado River region is Southwest Birders web site at www.southwestbirders.comsite DescriPtion: A 30-mile reach of the Colorado River bisects the refuge. Over 14,000 acres of the Refuge’s desert upland habitats are designated Wilderness. Major resource initiatives on the refuge include restoration of native riparian habitats and wetlands to benefit migratory birds and other riparian-obligate species. ownershiP: Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, Private (with permission)BirDs: Spring and Fall offer the greatest variety of birds and the best birding opportunities. 275 species have been observed on the refuge. Also, the refuge is important as a wintering area for Canada geese and many species of ducks. Part of this IBA is within the Yuma Christmas Bird Count circle. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round breeding residents: Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, American Coot, Yuma Clapper Rail, California Black Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, Turkey Vulture, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, American kestrel, Osprey, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Roadrunner, Turkey Vulture, Gambel’s Quail, Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Loggerhead Shrike, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Verdin, Song SparrowMigration: American Bittern, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Hermit, Black-throated Gray, Lucy’s, MacGillivray’s, Townsend’s, Virginia’s, Wilson’s, Nashville, and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat Winter: Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, and Bufflehead; Greater Yellow-legs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-faced Ibis, and American White Pelican; Peregrine & Prairie Falcons, Merlin, Bald Eagle, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned warblersconserVAtion concerns: Non-native salt cedar and phragmites replacing native marsh and riparian species. Strategies: The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Plan is implementing riparian forest restoration projects.site stewArD: Yuma Audubon Society

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Lower Colorado river Gadsden riparian Area iBA

Size: 3.7 square miles, 2,398 acresIdentified: 01/2004Visiting the iBA: Access is difficult and visiting is best recommended with a local guide. An excellent resource for birding this IBA and the lower Colorado River region is Finding Birds in Yuma County, Arizona by Henry Detwiller.ownershiP: Various U.S. and Mexican Agencies and Cocopah Tribesite DescriPtion: This area provides an example of the lower Colorado River in a relatively natural condition. The upper portion is about 12 miles south of Morelos Dam and the lowest portion is about 1 mile north of the Mexican border. Hunter’s Hole has been recently restored to native riparian and marsh habitats.BirDs: The lower Colorado River is a major migratory corridor for neotropical birds and also provides significant winter and nesting habitat. Year-round: Burrowing Owl, Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers, Phainopepla, Verdin, Abert’s TowheeBreeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret.Migration: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray WarblerWinter: White-faced Ibis, Long-billed CurlewconserVAtion issues: Historic loss of cottonwood and willow and marshlands habitats from the impacts of dikes, diversion canals and dams on natural hydrologic regime. Strategies: The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Plan is implementing riparian forest restoration projects.

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COLORADO RIVER GADSDEN RIPARIAN AREA MORELOS DAM


Lower oak Creek iBA

Size: 5.8 square miles, 3,685 acresIdentified: 01/2004 Recognized: 04/2006Visiting the iBA: Red Rock State Park is immediately south of Sedona. The best way to the park is travel on I-17 to Arizona highway 260 west to Arizona Highway 89A and north to Red Rock Loop Road. Page Springs and Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery is north of Cornville. Take the Rim Rock exit on I-17 and travel west to Page Springs Road, immediately east of Cornville, and travel north to the parking lot and access to the hiking trails and observation platform. The Verde Valley Birding Trail has excellent information for birding in this area. http://verdebirdingtrail.com/birdsites/hotspot/ownershiP: Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Coconino National Forest, Private (with permission) site DescriPtion: The identified IBA is the river corridor, extending upslope to approximately the rim level on either side of the river extending from Red Rock State Park to just south of Page Springs Fish Hatchery. Vegetation is a mix of riparian gallery (cottonwood/willow/sycamore), mesquite/hackberry bosque, recovering floodplain terrace and upslope prickly pear grassland. The creek is perennial and the hatchery ponds provide seasonal habitat for migrating waterfowl and waterbirds. BirDs: Many cavity nesting species are supported in great abundance because of old growth gallery forest within this IBA. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: American kestrel, Common Merganser, Wood Duck, Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, Bewick’s Wren, Bridled Titmouse, and Abert’s Towhee.Breeding: Common Black-Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo (rare), Belted Kingfisher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Bullock’s Oriole.Migration: Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s), MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanager, and Lazuli BuntingWinter: Waterfowl, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Dark-eyed Junco, eBirD focus sPecies: Breeding season: Common Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s TowheeconserVAtion issues: Irrigation water diversions, development, invasive plants (Russian olive, arundo, salt cedar)conserVAtion stewArDs: Northern Arizona Audubon Society

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Lower san pedro river iBA

Global IBA for Bell’s VireoSize: 51.2 square miles, 32,762 acresIdentified: 01/2007, Global on 01/2008. Recognized: 02/2008Visiting the iBA: Most of the lands in this IBA are privately owned with no public access. BLM land at San Manuel Crossing and private land at Dudleyville Crossing are open for walk in public. The privately owned 7B ranch is located east of the town of Mammoth and has a recently developed walking trail at Copper Canyon Road.ownershiP AnD MAnAgeMent: Arizona Game and Fish Department, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, Salt River Project, The Nature Conservancy, Pima County, Privatesite DescriPtion: The IBA is over 60 miles in length and begins at the southern boundary of 3 Links Farm in Cochise County and follows the San Pedro river downstream north (the San Pedro flows from south to north) to the confluence with the Gila River at the town of Winkleman. A free flowing river, the San Pedro has well developed cottonwood-willow gallery forest riparian habitat interspersed with old growth honey mesquite (Prosopis juliflora woodlands known as bosques. The largest intact mesquite bosque community in Arizona is located on 14 miles of the San Pedro River beginning south of the community of San Manuel and ending north of the community of Mammoth. The majority of the land is privately owned and only select properties in public ownership or under conservation easement and management are specifically included in the IBA.BirDs: The high importance of the lower San Pedro River for the recovery of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher contributed to its designation as critical habitat for the species. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: American kestrel, Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Bewick’s Wren, Abert’s Towhee, Song SparrowBreeding: Common Black-Hawk, Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Mississippi kite, White-tailed kite, Elf Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Western Purple Martin, SW Willow Flycatcher, Vermillion Flycatcher, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Thick-billed kingbird, Tropical kingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager Bullock’s Oriole Hooded Oriole

MATT GRIFFITHS

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Migration: Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s), MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Lazuli BuntingWinter: Belted Kingfisher, Red-naped SapsuckereBirD focus sPecies: Breeding season: Gray Hawk, Mississippi kite, Elf Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s TowheeConservation Concerns: Irrigation water diversions, development, wild fire, OHV use in riparian areas, wood cutting, invasive plants (salt cedar). Strategies: Conservation partnerships among landownersConservation Stewards: Tucson Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Cascabel Working Group, Redington and Winkleman NRCDs

LOWER SAN PEDRO / J. MACFARLAND


tHe ArizonA importAnt Bird AreA proGrAm

The Arizona Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is an exciting, active, field-oriented, community-engaged, science-based and conservation-focused program benefiting Arizona’s birds, and other native biodiversity, at the most critical habitats and sites in Arizona. Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program are a worldwide program through BirdLife International that identifies sites that provide important habitats for avian species. Criteria for designation are species abundance, diversity, rarity, and geographic specificity. As the United States Partner of BirdLife International, the National Audubon Society administers the IBA Program in the U.S. The Arizona IBA Program was established in 2001 and is co-administered by Audubon Arizona and the Tucson Audubon Society. Scott Wilbor of the Tucson Audubon Society laid the groundwork for and coordinated the AZ IBA Program solo from 2001 through 2004 and continued with the program until 2011. AZ IBA is currently coordinated by Jennie MacFarland at Tucson Audubon and Tice Supplee at Audubon Arizona. The AZ IBA Program works in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (through the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative which provides the main support for the AZ IBA program), the Sonoran Joint Venture, and the Intermountain West Joint Venture. Arizona IBAs are focal areas for both Joint Ventures and contribute to the bird conservation strategy of the AGFD Arizona Wildlife Action Plan. Designation of a site as an IBA is non-regulatory and private lands are recognized with permission of the landowners. Always seek permission of private landowners before attempting to access their lands. There is a strong volunteer-science component to the Arizona IBA Program. The data used to create new IBAs and monitor existing IBAs come from surveys conducted by trained volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.aziba.org

JENNIE MACFARLAND


The purpose of the Important Bird Areas Program is to identify a global network of sites that maintains the long-term viability of wild bird populations while engaging the public to conserve areas of critical habitat.


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eBirding Arizona’s iBAs

You can help conserve Arizona’s native birds every time you visit one of Arizona’s Important Bird Areas. The valuable online data portal eBird now includes the boundaries of all of Arizona’s Important Bird Areas and by keeping track of the species and numbers of birds you encounter within these areas and entering them into eBird, you are contributing to a massive data set that can be used to manage and protect these special places.To become a valuable asset to the Important Bird Area Program:• Setup a free account with eBird at www.ebird.org.• While birding an IBA, keep track of the species of birds you observe.• Bring a checklist and keep track of the number of each species you encounter. Also

record your exact location, time, and distance traveled.• Submit your checklist to eBird. By listing ArizonaIBA as one of your observers, your data

will be sent directly to the AZ Important Bird Area office. Birders will be recognized and credited for sharing their data with the Important Bird Area program.

What Can You Do?• Visit one of Arizona’s Important Bird Areas and go birding, on your own or with friends!• Promote awareness of these special areas to your friends, family, and community.• Create an eBird account and start sharing your data with the Important Bird Area

Program

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marble Canyon iBA

Global IBA for California CondorSize: 159.5 square miles, 102,058 acresIdentified: 04/2003, Global 01/2008Visiting the iBA: Lees Ferry and Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center is located on Highway 89A 45 miles southwest of Page Arizona and 62 miles southeast of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Lees Ferry is located seven miles down the Lees Ferry road from Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. Vermillion Cliffs are located adjacent to U.S. Highway Alternate 89 (89A) for approximately 30 miles to the south and west. From kanab, Utah, take U.S. Highway Alternate 89 (89A) south and then east from Jacob Lake to the cliffs.ownershiP: National Park Service Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Bureau of Land Managementsite DescriPtion: This IBA is the Colorado River corridor and adjacent side canyons from Glen Canyon Dam to the mouth of the Little Colorado River and the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area.BirDs: The high importance of the lower San Pedro River for the recovery of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher contributed to its designation as critical habitat for the species. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA include:Year-round: Great Blue Heron, California Condor, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Spotted OwlBreeding: southwestern willow flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager Bullock’s Oriole Hooded Oriole Migration: Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s), MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler, Winter: American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Western Grebe, Gadwall, Green-winged teal, Common Goldeneye, Redhead, Bald Eagle, OspreyconserVAtion concerns: Invasive plants (tamarisk and Ravenna grass). Strategy: Tamarisk Leaf-eating Beetle is impacting the tamarisk trees.conserVAtion stewArD: The Peregrine Fund

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mittry Lake state Wildlife Area iBA

Size: 6.2 square miles, 3,984 acresIdentified: 07/2002Visiting the site: From Yuma, take Highway 95 north to East Imperial Dam Road, then turn left (west) toward the lake, following WA signs.ownershiP: BLM and Bureau of Reclamation, managed by Arizona Game and Fishsite DescriPtion: Mittry Lake is a 400-acre oxbow of the Little Colorado River, with a well-developed wetland and marsh habitat adjacent to harsh desert conditions. The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes about 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of vegetative and wildlife species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges. Numerous serpentine waterways connect to main lake body and make exploring by boat a unique experience. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area provides riparian, wetland, and aquatic habitat for many wildlife species. This is one of the most accessible settings for wildlife viewing in the Colorado River floodplain.BirDs: In winter, up to 10,000 waterfowl may be present This area contains some of the largest populations of Yuma Clapper Rails and California Black Rails in the southwest. Year-round: Black-crowned Night-Heron, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Loggerhead Shrike, Abert’s Towhee, and Red-winged Blackbird.Breeding: Burrowing Owls, Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, American Bittern, Lesser Nighthawk, Bell’s Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak.Migration: Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Vaux’s Swift, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Bank Swallow, American Pipit, Nashville Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler, and Wilson’s WarblerWinter: Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk American Coots (large population), Sora, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Wilson’s Snipe, and Belted Kingfisher.eBirD Priority sPecies: Bell’s Vireo, Abert’s Towhee, and Yellow Warbler.conserVAtion concerns: Tamarisk invasion is a major issue regarding the degradation of the riparian habitat. Increasing selenium levels also pose a significant threat to local bird populations. Leakage from the Gila Gravity Main Canal has created marsh habitat, that would be lost if this canal were lined. Fire burning widely in non-native vegetation is a threat.

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mogollon rim snowmelt draws iBA

Size: 112.7 square miles, 72,162 acresIdentified: 07/2010Visiting the site: Take Highway 87 North from Payson, AZ. North of Pine, AZ, Forest Road 300 “Rim Road” heads east from the 87 and travels through the IBA. This is a relatively primitive area offering stunning views and many opportunities to pull off and explore the habitat.ownershiP: Coconino and Apache Sitgreaves National Forestssite DescriPtion: This IBA encompasses drainages located within 8 km of the edge of the Mogollon Rim, an abrupt cliff that represents the southern extension of the Colorado Plateau. This edge of the rim has a narrow band of moist vegetation (especially maples) associated with greater precipitation formed by the upward deflection of air at the rim face. The habitat of this IBA includes Ponderosa pine, white fir, Douglas fir, southwestern white pine, quaking aspen, and Gambel oak. Young plants of these canopy trees, plus canyon maple and New Mexico locust dominate the understory woody species.BirDs: This A long-term study (since 1986) of a high elevation riparian ecosystem and bird community demonstrates complex effects of climate impacts and has shown this area to be significant habitat for many woodpecker species.Year-round: Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown CreeperBreeding: Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, William’s Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Western Bluebirds, Band-tailed Pigeon, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Warbling Vireo, Steller’s Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Green-tailed Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Western Tanager, and Red CrossbillMigration: Townsend’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler and Wilson’s WarblereBirD focus sPecies: William’s Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and MacGillivray’s Warbler. conserVAtion issues: Long-term declines in winter snowfall have been associated with a decline in deciduous trees because it influences over-winter presence of elk that over-browse the habitat in winters with lower snowfall Large herbivores have been found to impact a variety of systems, and aspen in the western North America seems particularly susceptible.

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patagonia-sonoita Creek tnC preserve iBA

Size: 0.6 square miles, 387 acresIdentified: 07/2010Visiting the site: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is 60 miles southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east to Highway 83 exit south to Sonoita then turn west onto Highway 82. In Patagonia, turn west on 4th Avenue. Turn south on Pennsylvania, cross the creek, and go about one mile to the entrance.ownershiP AnD MAnAgeMent: The Nature Conservancysite DescriPtion: This IBA has some of the richest of the remaining riparian (streamside) habitat in the region in a verdant floodplain valley between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains of southeastern Arizona. As one of a few remaining permanent streams, it provides habitat for a wide array of diverse species from endangered fishes to butterflies and birds. The preserve protects a magnificent example of the rare Fremont cottonwood-Goodding willow riparian forest. Some of the trees are among the largest (more than 100 feet tall) and oldest (130 years old) Fremont cottonwood trees in the US. This is one of the few remaining sites in Arizona where this once-common forest type still persists.BirDs: The primary factors for the large diversity of bird species (including rarities) here are the riparian forest, reliable surface water, and proximity to the Huachuca Mountains IBA, one of the Sky Islands in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Year-round: Abert’s Towhee, Great Blue Heron, Western Screech-Owl, Anna’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe. Bridled Titmouse, Crissal Thrasher, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.Breeding: Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove Yellow Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Tropical kingbird, Cassin’s kingbird, Thick-billed kingbird, Western kingbird, Summer Tanager, and Varied BuntingMigration: Rufous Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Cassin’s Vireo, Swainson’s ThrushWinter: Northern Harrier, Red-naped Sapsucker, Merlin, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Western Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Green-tailed Towhee, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated SparrowRare: Sinaloan Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, Plain-capped Starthroat, and Black-capped Gnatcatcher.eBirD focus sPecies: Abert’s Towhee Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tropical kingbird, Thick-billed kingbird, and Varied Bunting conserVAtion issues: Primary conservation issues are loss/alteration of habitat (development within the watershed, groundwater pumping & climate change.

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Quigley state Wildlife Area iBA

Size: 0.96 square miles, 614 acresIdentified: 01/2004Visiting the site: From Yuma, take I-8 east towards Phoenix. Exit at Avenue 40E or Tacna (exit 42), turn north and cross the railroad tracks. Go north for 1.3 miles then west onto a dirt road for 0.5 miles to the mesa on the southernmost boundary overlooking the ponds.ownershiP AnD MAnAgeMent: Arizona Game and Fishsite DescriPtion: This IBA is located along the lower Gila River 40 miles east of Yuma and just north of the town of Tacna and consists of oxbow ponds and associated marshes and riparian areas, irrigated fields planted with wheat for doves in the summer and moist soil waterfowl foods in the winter, and irrigated stands of cottonwoods and willows and is the only property below Gillespie Dam that is managed for wildlife.BirDs: Quigley Wildlife Area provides marsh and riparian habitat along the lower Gila River.Year-round: Abert’s Towhee, Black Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, and Mourning Dove.Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rail, Least Bittern, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Lesser Nighthawk, White-winged Dove, Western kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, and Red-winged Blackbird.Migration: White-throated Swift, Tree Swallow, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Willow Flycatcher.Winter: Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Harrier, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Brewer’s Sparrow.eBirD it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how many of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and easy! We really need your help gathering information about this site! If you bird here it would be especially helpful if you could enter your observations into eBird.org. eBirD focus sPecies: Yuma Clapper Rail, Abert’s TowheeconserVAtion issues: The dominant continuing threat is competition from salt cedar over native riparian vegetation, but revegetation projects for cottonwoods and willows have been implemented. Water levels in the ponds have declined in recent years as adjacent agriculture has been retired; use of canal water has replaced some of this lost water. Other threats are from wildfire and cowbirds.

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salt and Verde riparian ecosystem iBA

Size: 24.3 square miles, 15,523 acresIdentified: 07/2002. Global: 10/2011. Recognized: 11/2010Visiting this site: Much of this IBA is remote, rugged and only navigable by boat. A good birding destination within the IBA is Horseshoe Reservoir where Bald Eagles are frequently seen. To reach this area from Phoenix take to 101 loop to Pima Road and go north to Carefree. From Carefree drive Cave Creek Road northeast until you reach Bartlett Road. Take a right onto Bartlett Road and go 6 miles until you reach the junction with FR 205. Take a left onto FR 205 (which is unpaved). Continue for 11 miles until you reach the reservoir.ownershiP: National Forest and Fort McDowell Indian Reservation. The Bartlett and Horseshoe Reservoirs (part of the Verde River), are operated by the Salt River Project, Inc. site DescriPtion: This IBA is comprised of sections of two large rivers, the Salt and the Verde, that come together just east of Phoenix. The Salt River section extends from Saguaro Lake’s Stewart Mountain Dam, along the riparian corridor of the Salt River west to the confluence with the Verde River, and the Verde River section is the riparian corridor from Childs, AZ to its confluence with the Salt River. The northern most 15 miles have been designated as a “Wild River”, under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This stretch of river is within the large designated U.S. Forest Service Mazatzal Wilderness, the largest forest Wilderness in Arizona. BirDs: This IBA contains about approximately 1/3 of all Bald Eagle nest areas in the state of Arizona. Year-round: Bald Eagle, Abert’s Towhee, Gambel’s Quail, Spotted Sandpiper, Gilded Flicker, Vermilion Flycatcher and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.Breeding: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Lucy’s Warbler, Common Black-Hawk, Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Elf Owl, Bell’s Vireo, Bullock’s Oriole and Hooded Oriole.Migration: Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Barn Swallow, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting.Winter: Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Cinnamon Teal, Common Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Greater Yellowlegs, Belted Kingfisher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Western Bluebird.eBirD focus sPecies: Bald Eagle, Abert’s Towhee, Gilded Flicker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Lucy’s Warbler, and Elf Owl.conserVAtion concerns: Livestock grazing is a key stressor affecting the under-story and mid-story avian habitat along the Verde River. Recreation uses, including boating on the lakes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), have the potential to disturb nesting birds, particularly Bald Eagles.

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salt and Lower Gila riparian ecosystem iBA

Global IBA for Neotropic Cormorant and Yuma Clapper Rail; Continental IBA for Abert’s Towhee and Long-billed CurlewSize: 57.3 square miles, 36,645 acresIdentified: 07/2002. Recognized: 03/2008. Global/Continental: 10/2011Visiting the site: Arlington Wildlife area is on the west bank of the Gila River approximately 3-1/2 miles south of Arlington and 15 miles southwest of Buckeye in Maricopa County, Arizona.ownershiP: Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona Lands State Trust, Maricopa County Regional Park, and Bureau of Land Management.site DescriPtion: The IBA is the Salt River from 83rd Avenue, connecting with the Gila River at 115th Avenue and extending west and south along the Gila River to Gillespie Dam. The Gila River has perennial flow that is from treated effluent from the City of Phoenix and other communities, excess agriculture water, and from natural ground water. This IBA includes Arlington, B&M, Powers Butte and Robbins Butte Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Areas managed for birds and wildlife. The Tres Rios Nature Festival is held in March to celebrate the birds and other wildlife and their habitats. The fish community here is considered to be one of the most abundant in Arizona and consequently, fish-eating birds are found here in high numbers. BirDs: The area has rich productivity of plant growth due to perennial supply of nutrient laden waters. Year-round: Gambel’s Quail, Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Roadrunner, Burrowing Owl, Gila Woodpecker, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, and Phainopepla Breeding: Yuma Clapper Rails, White-tailed kite, Lesser Nighthawk, Anna’s Hummingbird, Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow Warbler, Lucy’s WarblerMigration: Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Wilson’s WarblerWinter: Northern Harrier, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon Osprey, Black-crowned Night Heron, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Sora, Long-billed Curlew, Greater Yellowlegs, Costa’s Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-naped Sapsucker, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Yellow-rumped Warbler. eBirD focus sPecies: Yuma Clapper Rail, Neotropic Cormorant, Long-billed Curlew, Abert’s Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, and Costa’s Hummingbird.conserVAtion concern: Invasive salt cedar dominates much of the riparian corridor. Loss of water supply due to pumping and reduced sewage flow because of diversion to other treatment facilities, water conservation, and gray water recapture by local communities is considered a long-term serious threat.

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san pedro river national Conservation Area iBA

Size: 89 square miles, 56,983 acresIdentified: 07/2002Visiting the iBA: The most popular birding spot in this IBA is the San Pedro House. From Tucson, take Interstate 10 east 40 miles to State Highway 90. Follow the highway south through Huachuca City to Fry Boulevard in Sierra Vista, AZ. Follow this street for six miles east until you reach the San Pedro House.site DescriPtion: The San Pedro River National Riparian Conservation Area is a protected area encompassing some 50 miles of the San Pedro River and adjoining habitats, it is the best example of desert riparian ecosystem in the United States. ownershiP AnD MAnAgeMent: Bureau of Land ManagementBirDs: This IBA is one of the four major north-south migratory bird corridors of the southwestern United States, along with the Rio Grande, Santa Cruz, and the Colorado River. This IBA supports the largest breeding population of Gray Hawks and one of the largest Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo population in the U.S.Year-round: Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Black Phoebe, Bridled Titmouse, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Rufous-crowned Sparrow Abert’s Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Breeding: Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Lesser Nighthawk, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Western Wood-Pewee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical kingbird, Tropical kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Botteri’s Sparrow and Cassin’s Sparrow.Migration: Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers heading down river to nest.Winter: Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Gray Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Western Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-napped Sapsucker, and Belted Kingfisher.eBirD focus sPecies: Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Crissal Thrasher, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Botteri’s Sparrow and Cassin’s Sparrow.conserVAtion issues: Over draft of the aquifer from ever expanding and new subdivisions may ultimately dry the river at certain seasons and locations, unless strict growth and conservation measures are implemented.

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san rafael Grasslands iBA

Size: 85 square miles, 54,478 acresIdentified: 10/2011Visiting the site: From Tucson take the I-10 east to the AZ-83 south and go about 25 miles. Then make a right onto AZ-82, then left onto Taylor Ave, then left onto Harshaw Road and 6 miles later a slight right onto Harshaw Creek Rd and then a right onto San Rafael Valley Rd. This road takes you through most of the IBA’s prime birding areas.ownershiP: Private, Forest Service, State Park and Arizona Game and Fish.site DescriPtion: The habitat of this IBA is primarily short grass prairie and is one of the finest stands of native grassland in the state. This area encompasses one of the last remaining un-fragmented remnants of a grassland ecosystem in the US between southern California and west Texas. Much of the private ranching land in the valley is protected by conservation easements to ensure that the sustainable grazing practices that have preserved this valley continue. Bog Hole Wildlife Area is in the north end of the valley.BirDs: This area is of vital importance for several wintering raptors, sparrows, pipits and longspurs. Year-round: White-tailed kite, Loggerhead Shrike, Horned Lark, Eastern Meadowlark, Breeding: Montezuma Quail, Cassin’s kingbird, Western kingbird, Botteri’s Sparrow, Cassin’s Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Grasshopper Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, and Cassin’s Sparrow.Migration: Swainson’s Hawk, Gray Hawk, Tree Swallow, Hermit Warbler, Green-tailed TowheeWinter: Northern Harrier, Ferruginous Hawk, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Canvasbacks, Cinnamon Teal, Mexican Mallards, Northern Pintail, American Pipit, Sprague’s Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown’s Longspur, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow, Western MeadowlarkeBirD it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how many of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and easy!eBirD focus sPecies: Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown’s Longspur, Short-eared Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, and Cassin’s Sparrow.conserVAtion issues: The most relevant current threat to this valley is mining. As the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, this area is particularly vulnerable to the water depletion and fouling associated with mining.

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santa rita mountains iBA

Size: 217 square miles, 138,768 acresIdentified: 04/2003. Recognized: 05/2011Visiting this iBA: The most accessible birding destination in this “sky island” is Madera Canyon. From Tucson, take I-19 south to exit 63, Continental Road and go east and make a right on Whitehouse Canyon Rd. Go several miles through the Santa Rita Experimental Range, which has some good birding opportunities, especially during monsoon season for sparrows. Stay on the paved road into Madera Canyon. Be sure to check the feeders at the B&Bs. ownershiP AnD MAnAgeMent: Forest Servicesite DescriPtion: Encompassing the entire mountain range the Santa Rita Mountains are one of the Sierra Madrean Occidental “Sky Islands.” The distinct forest, oak savannah, grassland, and riparian habitats found here provide essential habitat for significant populations of a number of bird species. It is this transitioning elevational gradient of many different vegetation communities that makes this IBA so important to so many different bird species.BirDs: The Santa Rita Mountains support many different suites of native birds in its varied habitats. Year-round: Arizona Woodpecker, Say’s Phoebe, Hutton’s Vireo, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Black-throated Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Western Tanager and Olive WarblerBreeding: Northern Goshawk, Gray Hawk, Mexican Spotted Owl, Elf Owl, Whiskered Screech-owl, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Zone-tailed Hawk, Montezuma Quail, Elegant Trogon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Blue-throated Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Greater Peewee, Virginia’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Cassin’s Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak and Varied Bunting.Migration: Common Nighthawk, Rufous Hummingbird, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush and Tree Swallow.Winter: Red-naped Sapsucker, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Pine Siskin.eBirD focus sPecies: Montezuma Quail, Elegant Trogon, Magnificent Hummingbird, Violet-Crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Greater Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Cassin’s Sparrow, Botteri’s Sparrow, Olive Warbler, and Wilson’s Warbler. conserVAtion issues: Illegal immigrant traffic can be significant through the range, which leads to trampling of vegetation, and accompanying trash. Campfires have potential for starting forest fires if they are not properly put out, but due to the remoteness of this area there is little Border Patrol impact. Birder overuse of lower Madera Canyon trail may be disturbing nesting birds in this confined stream reach. Please note that playing bird calls is prohibited in Madera Canyon.

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sonoita Creek snA/patagonia Lake iBA

Size: 5.5 square miles, 3,497 acresIdentified: 01/2007. Recognized: 04/2007Visiting this site: Patagonia Lake State Park is notable as a hot spot of bird diversity and for the rare birds that are often found there. From Tucson take the I-10 east to the AZ-83 south (exit 281) and turn right onto AZ-82W. After 19 miles turn right where indicated toward Patagonia Lake. Just before the entrance to Patagonia Lake is a turnoff to Sonoita Creek, you must first obtain a permit at Patagonia Lake State Park before entering Sonoita Creek.ownershiP: Arizona State Park, State Trust and Privatesite DescriPtion: Sonoita Creek is bordered by lush broadleaf riparian vegetation (cottonwood, willow, ash, sycamore) with an upland terrace of mesquite bosque. The uplands of Sonoita Creek SNA are covered with high desert vegetation of mesquite, acacia, ocotillo, barrel cactus, and other smaller cactus and yucca. Patagonia Lake and its wetland and riparian margins, comprised of cattails, bulrush, and willow attracts many rarities and as a result birders. BirDs: This habitat is an excellent example of riparian habitat and supports a diverse array of nesting species along with migrants and wintering species. Breeding: Gray Hawk, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, and Broad-billed Hummingbird, Common Ground Dove, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Varied Bunting, Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Green Kingfisher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Least Bittern and Rufous-winged Sparrow. Migration: Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Scott’s Oriole, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Rufous Hummingbird. Winter: Northern Harrier, Elegant Trogon, Gray Flycatcher, Rufous-backed Robin, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Double-crested Cormorants, Neotropical Cormorants, Eared Grebe, Virdginia’s Rail, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, Green-tailed Towhee, Marsh Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow.eBirD it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how many of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and easy!eBirD focus sPecies: Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and Varied Bunting.conserVAtion issues: Exotic species, including non-native fish, crayfish, bullfrogs and livestock which impact the riparian area.

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sonoran desert Borderlands iBA

Size: 1,851 square miles, 1,184,668 acresIdentified: 07/2010Visiting this site: To reach Organ Pipe NM: follow Arizona Highway 85 through Ajo and Why. The Monument entrance is four miles from Why. The kris Eggle Visitor Center is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why. To reach Cabeza Prieta NWR: the visitor center is in Ajo where you must get a permit to enter the refuge and can be found by Take Highway 86 (Ajo Way) west across the Tohono O’odham reservation to Why, follow Highway 85 north to Ajo. Please be advised that this IBA is very remote with few to no facilities and can be dangerous at times.site DescriPtion: This IBA includes the entire Cabeza Prieta NWR and Organ Pipe National Monument. There is a standing request for permission from the DOD to include the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range in the IBA. This is the largest IBA in Arizona and one of the most remote. Cabeza Prieta is the third largest National Wildlife Refuge in the lower 48 states and contains Arizona’s largest Wilderness area. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an excellent example of an Arizona Upland ecosystem within the Sonoran desertscrub biomeownershiP: FederalBirDs: This is a landscape level IBA of exceptional habitat quality and expansiveness with bird species present in good numbers that are otherwise found locally in isolated patches. Breeding: Birds of high conservation concern that nest here include: Gilded Flicker Bendire’s Thrasher, Le Conte’s Thrasher, Costa’s Hummingbird, Abert’s Towhee, Elf Owl and several sightings of Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Other species of interest that nest here include: Loggerhead Shrike, Sage Thrasher, Golden Eagle, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Varied BuntingWinter: Brewer’s Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned SparrowMigration: Peregrin Falcon, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Townsend’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Bullock’s Oriole, conserVAtion issues: As the Refuge shares a 56-mile international border with Sonora, Mexico, it is not surprising that two of the most important threats to the ecology of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge are the impacts of illegal border crossers and the actions of Border Patrol officers attempting to apprehend them. The rules of the refuge prohibit any vehicle traffic off of designated public use roads as the tracks made by vehicles could remain for hundreds of years in this fragile desert ecosystem. Despite this prohibition, many tracks, some of them deeply rutted, were observed by IBA surveyors miles from any road presumably from both illegal border crosser traffic and Border Patrol vehicles attempting to intercept such traffic.

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sycamore Canyon–pajarito mountains iBA

Size: 3.5 square miles, 2,213 acresIdentified: 04/2003Visiting the iBA: From Tucson, go south on I-19 about 58 miles to Ruby Rd (exit 12). Go west on Ruby Rd about 10 miles to a T-intersection. Turn left (south) towards to campground, the road becomes FR 39. After 9.5 miles of winding road, a sign marks the turn to Sycamore Canyon on the left. After 150 yards there is a parking area under some Arizona Walnut trees.site DescriPtion: Located near the ghost town of Ruby, at the lower edge of Madrean evergreen oak woodlands, Sycamore Creek flows down to the Mexico border where it enters Sonoran desert-dominated habitat. The canyon is relatively shallow and narrow with intermittent drainage with scattered, permanent pools. Vegetation is primarily high-elevation riparian, including Fremont cottonwood, willow, and velvet mesquite, with scattered Arizona sycamore.ownershiP: Sycamore Canyon is owned and managed by the Coronado National ForestBirDs: This very small canyon has a very high concentration of nesting IBA priority bird species. Through the years, this rugged canyon has attracted many resident and visiting birders in hopes of

CABEZA PRIETA / MATT GRIFFITHS

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viewing the rare Mexican species that have occasionally been reported. These include such birds as the Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Rufous-capped Warbler, Fan-tailed Warbler, and Yellow Grosbeak. Year-round: Montezuma Quail, White-throated Swift, Black Phoebe, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren and Bewick’s WrenBreeding: Ninety-five species of birds are confirmed nesters or designated as probable or possible nesting species in or adjacent to Sycamore Canyon. This is one of the highest breeding bird diversity concentrations in Arizona. This unique area was found to have the lowest elevation breeding populations of many avian species in Arizona including: Spotted Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Whip-poor-will, Acorn Woodpecker, Arizona Woodpecker, Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard (highest nesting concentration in US), Eastern Bluebird, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, and Black-Headed Grosbeak. Other species that nest in this canyon include: Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Common Poorwill, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Vermillion Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher and Thick-billed kingbird.Migration: Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, Winter: Townsend’s Solitaire, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, conserVAtion concerns: Illegal immigrant traffic can be very high at times in the canyon, which leads to trampling of vegetation. Accompanying litter and discarded materials contribute to trash build up in the canyon. Campfires have potential for burning sections of the canyon if they are not properly put out, but due to the remoteness of this area there is little patrol. Overgrazing, especially in the riparian area is one of the biggest issues.

ALAMO CANYON IN ORGAN PIPE NM / MATT GRIFFITH

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tanque Verde Wash and sabino Canyon iBA

Size: 7.5 square miles, 4,770 acresIdentified: Expanded: 10/2011Visiting this iBA: Sabino Canyon: in Tucson, go east on Tanque Verde Road to Sabino Canyon Road and go north 4.5 miles to the entrance on the east just past Sunrise, there is a fee to use this area. Tanque Verde Wash: there are several good access points along Tanque Verde Road such as Woodland Ave or where Tanque Verde Loop Rd crosses the wash. Stay in the sandy wash, the banks are private land.site DescriPtion: This IBA originally included Sabino Canyon and Bear Creek but now also contains the adjoining Tanque Verde Wash. As a result, information about this IBA tends to be divided along these boundaries. Upper Sabino Canyon (fee area) is a narrow riparian area in a deep canyon at the southern base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Its stream is perennial and lined with willow, cottonwood, ash, and sycamore. At one point a small silted in pond contains a wide area of thick vegetation. Tanque Verde Wash is part of Tucson’s system of storm water runoff drainages and native vegetation is especially intact on the eastern end of the wash. This area provides a wonderful habitat resource for native riparian birds and an oasis for migratory birds along with other wildlife and also acts as a corridor for wildlife to move through Tucson.ownershiP: Forest Service, Pima County and Private.BirDs: Intact lowland riparian habitat tends to have very high breeding bird densities and are extremely important for birds migrating through the area. Notably, seven species of hummingbirds have been observed throughout the year including: Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Costa’s, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Rufous. Year-round: Cactus Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Verdin and Lesser Goldfinch.Breeding: Certain species of conservation concern nest within the Tanque Verde Wash/Sabino Canyon in very dense numbers including: Bell’s Vireo, Abert’s Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Gila Woodpecker and Broad-billed Hummingbird. Other breeding birds found here, but in lower densities include Gray Hawk, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Desert Purple Martin, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tropical Kingbird, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher and Elf Owl. Migration: Black-throated Gray Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush, Western Wood-pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Violet-green Swallow and Scott’s Oriole.Winter: Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Lark Bunting.conserVAtion issues: Private and public wells remove groundwater that may be necessary for health of the riparian habitat. Introductions of invasive non-native plants are facilitated by the proximity of homes.

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tuzigoot iBA

Size: 3.5 square miles, 2,267 acresIdentified: 07/2002Visiting this site: Tuzigoot National Monument is 52 miles south of Flagstaff via U.S. Alternate Highway 89A, or 90 miles north of Phoenix. Travel Interstate Highway 17, take Exit 287 and travel west on Highway 260 to Cottonwood. You will continue through Cottonwood on Hwy 89A and go toward Clarkdale. At the first traffic light after turning on to 89A, signs will direct you to turn left to stay on 89A. Go straight through this intersection. This will put you on Historic 89A and take you through “Old Town Cottonwood.” There will be a sign telling you where to turn to go to Tuzigoot. You take Tuzigoot Road and follow it to the end. Car GPS units have trouble with this, follow the above directions instead.site DescriPtion: Riparian gallery forest of Fremont cottonwood, Goodding willow, and mesquite borders the Verde River and the east side of Tavasci marsh. Mesquite bosque borders the south and north side of Tavasci marsh, and around Peck’s Lake, with the greatest tree height on the north side of Tavasci marsh, and well developed around Peck’s Lake. Chaparral habitat is present on the uplands. The remaining habitats consist of grassland and cliff/rock. The marsh is managed for habitat/wildlife conservation.ownershiP: Tuzigoot National Monument, Dead Horse Ranch State Park and PrivateBirDs: This ecosystem provides high quality wetland, lake, and riparian habitat for migrating, breeding, and over-wintering birds. Breeding: The marsh habitat stands out for its uniqueness in Arizona, and has breeding populations of Least Bittern, Virginia’s Rail, Belted Kingfisher, Abert’s Towhee, Crissal Thrasher and Common Black Hawk, with rare Yuma Clapper Rail detections. Migration: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Virginia’s Warbler and MacGillivray’s Warbler. Winter: The over-wintering waterfowl numbers can exceed 1000 birds at Peck’s Lake, species in notable numbers include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, and Ring-necked Duck. Bald Eagles, Osprey and Great Blue Heron are known to winter along the Verde River. The surrounding sedge and grassland habitat support hundreds of over-wintering sparrows, notably the Brewer’s Sparrow in huge numbersconserVAtion concerns: Water quality of Peck’s Lake is not meeting Arizona Department of Water Quality standards, past mining activities is believed to be the cause. In an attempt to meet water quality standards the Verde River water is diverted into Peck’s Lake.

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Upper Little Colorado river Watershed iBA

Size: 95.9 square miles, 61,360 acresIdentified: 04/2003. Recognized: 07/2008Visiting this iBA: There are two main public access points. The Lakeview Trail is a one mile loop following the western edge of Becker Lake to an observation platform overlooking the southern marshy end of the lake where waterfowl and shorebirds can easily be seen The Lakeview Trail access is two miles west of the traffic light in Springerville on U.S. Highway 60; turn south into the main Becker Lake area, designated with signage. The River Walk Trail access is one mile west of the traffic light on Highway 60; turn south into the parking area just before crossing the bridge over the Little Colorado River.site DescriPtion: This IBA encompasses approximately 27 miles of the Little Colorado River from its headwaters on Mount Baldy flowing northeast to the 355-acre Wenima Wildlife Area and includes the tributaries of Hall Creek, Benny Creek, Rosy Creek, Butler Canyon, the East Fork, West Fork and South Fork of the Little Colorado River as well as some adjoining uplands. Lee Valley Reservoir, White Mountain Reservoir, River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Bunch Reservoir, and Becker Lake are also included in the IBA.ownershiP: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish, Private and State TrustBirDs: This riparian corridor contains a significant amount of intact, diverse, high elevation habitat. Breeding: The area is important nesting habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and includes most of the high elevation nest sites documented in the state. The upper watershed includes seven Mexican Spotted Owl territories and three Northern Goshawk territories, and one Peregrine Falcon eyrie. The lower stretch of the river holds the majority of known Gray Catbird breeding sites in the state, and at least one Yellow-billed Cuckoo territory. Other breeding species include: Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Western Wood-Pewee, Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Tanager and Green-tailed Towhee.Migration: The riparian corridor also supports a diversity of migrant passerines that includes large numbers of MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Rufous Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird.Winter: Bald Eagles are present, both Mountain and Western Bluebirds are found in the junipers in winter.conserVAtion concerns: Although most of this riparian corridor represents intact habitat, serious habitat degradation has occurred due to cattle grazing and agricultural activities along portions of the river, particularly in the Springerville area.

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Upper santa Cruz river iBA

Size: 3.4 square miles, 2,184 acresIdentified: 01/2007. Recognized: 04/2011Visiting this iBA: Walking on the Anza Trail in Tubac is a great place to see birds. From Tucson take the I-19 south to the Tubac Exit (Exit 34), make a left under the freeway then another left (north) at the frontage road. Drive 0.4 mile north to Plaza Road and follow the signs to the Tubac Presidio State Park, just before the park entrance there is a sign reading “Anza Trailhead,” go right and park by the fence.site DescriPtion: The Upper Santa Cruz River IBA is presently the 9.5 linear km riparian corridor from Tumacacori National Historical Park downstream (northward) through the Tucson Audubon held conservation easement at Esperanza Ranch. This reach of river has the highest groundwater levels and perennial river flow, primarily treated wastewater, but with some groundwater seep augmentation.ownershiP: Private Land and the Tumacacori National MonumentBirDs: The IBA’s identified importance to regional bird populations is most evident in the substantial numbers and density of riparian obligate avian species present in this habitat. Species of special conservation status and interest that use the habitats within this IBA are in bold:Breeding: Gray Hawk, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Varied Bunting, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat. Rare nesting species include Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Buntings, and Tropical kingbird.Migration: Hammond’s Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Tree Swallow, Swainson’s Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and Lark Bunting.Winter: Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Lincon’s Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow. eBirD it! When you visit this IBA you can help with the monitoring of this habitat by counting how many of the listed eBird focus species you see and reporting your sightings on www.ebird.org. It’s free, fun and easy!eBirD focus sPecies: Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tropical kingbird, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Varied Bunting.conserVAtion issues: Residential encroachment into the floodplain and riparian (mesquite bosque habitat) and groundwater pumping causing reduced river flow. Strategies: Santa Cruz River Conservation Plan.

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Upper Verde river state Wildlife Area iBA

Size: 2.8 square miles, 1,809 acresIdentified: 06/2008Visiting this iBA: From Hwy. 89 in Paulden, take Chino Ranch Road East (USFS 635) approximately 1 mile. Make sharp right, cross railroad tracks and make sharp left. Take very first right and go south approximately 3 miles to enter the main parcel of the property.site DescriPtion: This IBA is located approximately eight miles north of Chino Valley in Yavapai County, Arizona.. This IBA’s riparian vegetation is characterized as mixed broadleaf deciduous, dominated by Arizona ash boxelder, Arizona walnut and netleaf hackberry. Goodding’s willow, red willow and Fremont cottonwood are also present. South of the Colorado River, the Verde River represents the most significant perennial waterway in the northern 1/3 of the state.ownershiP: Ownership of this site is shared between Arizona Game and Fish, the Prescott National Forest, Private Land and State Trust LandBirDs: Aside from supporting rare or priority riparian breeding species, this IBA is an important stopover and/or wintering grounds for a host of migratory birds. Breeding: The Upper Verde River Wildlife Area IBA contains the headwaters of the Verde River which provides breeding habitat for species of special conservation status including: Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Common Black Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Yellow Warbler, and Lucy’s Warbler, all of which occur in significant numbers within the IBA. There is possibly one breeding pair of Golden Eagles and White-throated Swifts and Cinnamon Teal have also been found here in the breeding season. Migration: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (some also breed here), Lucy’s Warbler and MacGillivray’s Warbler. Winter: This IBA is particularly important as a wintering area for many Arizona breeding species of higher elevations including American Robin, Mountain Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, Red-naped Sapsucker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Brown Creeper, and Dark-eyed Junco. Other wintering species include: Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, and Sage Thrasher. This area also contains Pinyon-Juniper vegetation, providing foraging habitat for Pinyon Jays and Juniper Titmice. conserVAtion concerns: The primary issue is unauthorized grazing. Under AZGFD ownership the habitat has improved dramatically, but grazing continues to impact through loss of seasonal vegetation cover and increased bank erosion.

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Watson and Willow Lakes ecosystem iBA

Size: 2.3 square miles, 1,501 acresIdentified: 07/2002. Recognized: 04/2011Visiting this iBA: Willow Lake: From the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott AZ, drive north on Montezuma Street which will curve west and become Whipple Street. Then turn north in Willow Creek Road for about 4 mile to Willow Park. Watson Lake: An easy 4 mile drive from downtown Prescott AZ. Drive east form Courthouse Plaza on Gurley Street for about 1.2 miles. Turn north Highway 89 and proceed about 3,5 miles. Enter the traffic circle, take the first right into the park.ownershiP: Managed by the Town of Prescott as recreational lakes and natural areas.site DescriPtion: This Important Bird Area (IBA) is located within the city limits of Prescott, AZ and occurs in two sections, Watson Lake and Willow Lake. The IBA also includes the immediate surrounding uplands and 2 miles of Granite Creek flowing into Watson Lake. There are no other comparable lake systems within a distance of 200-300 miles east and west, and 60 to 150 miles north and south, thus indicating the importance of the lakes ecosystem as stop-over feeding and resting site for migrants.BirDs: These lakes are particularly important to large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds during the fall migration. In wet years waterfowl numbers can exceed 5000 birds at one time. Breeding: Wood Duck (approximately 50 pairs) are notable breeders within the ecosystem. There are Great Blue Heron and Double-crested Cormorant rookeries as well. The riparian area is small, and supports breeding Yellow Warbler in abundance, breeding Lucy’s Warblers, and nesting Green Heron.Migration: Notably abundant are Northern Pintail, Northern Shovler, and American Widgeon. Shorebird numbers in the fall can exceed 300 birds on a given day, including Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets. White-faced Ibis and Forester’s Tern also regularly occur in the fall, and Marbled Godwits occur in spring migration. Winter: Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks and Common Merganser over-winter in large numbers. Wintering Bald Eagles and resident Peregrine Falcons find available prey among the waterfowl flocks. conserVAtion concerns: The City of Prescott has implemented regulations regarding recreational use of the two lakes, most notably a “no wake” regulation on Watson Lake with limited horsepower motors. kayaking is the only boating allowed on Willow Lake. kayakers do disturb the waterfowl in the winter, but this is intermittent, and the birds seem to stay in spite of these disturbances. Visit www.prescottcreeks.org for more information.

WATSON LAkE / RWARRIN (TOP) AND WILLOW LAkE / MICHAEL WILSON


Whitewater draw state Wildlife Area iBA

Global IBA for Sandhill CraneSize: 2.4 square miles, 1,509 acresIdentified: 06/2008. Global: 10/2011Visit this iBA: From U.S. Hwy. 191 at McNeal, drive west on Davis Road for 3 miles to Coffman Road. Turn south on Coffman Road and follow the signs for 2 miles; turn west into parking area and trailhead. Winter is the best time to visit. ownershiP: This IBA is entirely owned and managed by Arizona Game and Fish.site DescriPtion: The Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area IBA lies within the Chihuahuan desert grassland habitat type. Past land uses of the property included farming and ranching with about 30% of the property being irrigated farmland. Much of this is being returned to native grasslands through rest and active reseeding projects. Over 600 acres of the area is intermittently flooded wetland with two small patches of riparian habitat. The surrounding agricultural community of the valley enhances feeding opportunities for such species as Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese. BirDs: This IBA is of state and regional significance as the primary wintering area for Sandhill Cranes in Arizona, and includes both the Lesser (most numerous) and Greater subspecies. Counts of Sandhill Cranes in early January have steadily climbed from 4,000 in 1991 to over 22,000 in 2008 at Whitewater Draw. The Greater subspecies breeds in the northern states of the continental U.S., and the Lesser subspeciesYear-round: Bendire’s Thrasher, Cassin’s Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike and Scaled Quail.Migration: Long-billed Curlew, Mountain Bluebird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and MacGillivray’s Warbler. Winter: This area conspicuously provides wintering habitat for Sandhill Crane, Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese. Other birds that winter here include: Mountain Plover, Greater White-fronted Goose, Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Gadawall, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck and various sparrow species including Brewer’s, Vesper, Lark, Savannah, Grasshopper and Lark Buntings. conserVAtion concern: The most serious conservation issue is climate change induced increased drought and the loss (or diminishment) of a seasonal winter flooded wetland. There have also been issues recently with less water than in the past being pumped into the area to create loafing sites for Sandhill Cranes.

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Willcox playa/Cochise Lakes iBA

Global IBA for Sandhill CraneSize: 74 square miles, 47,343 acresIdentified: 06/2009. Global: 10/2011Visiting this iBA: Much of this IBA is not open to the public, but birders can visit Cochise Lake which can be excellent for shorebirds. From Tucson, take I-10 east to Willcox and get off exit 340 and follow the signs to AZ 186. Cross the railroad tracks and continue 0.5 mile to the sign on the right for Twin Lakes Golf Course at Rex Allen Jr. Drive. Take this road 1.1 miles to the cattleguard at the entry to the lake. You can drive around the lake.ownershiP: Department of Defense on the Playa (a former bombing range) the Wildlife Area on the northern end of the IBA is managed by Arizona Game and Fish.site DescriPtion: The heart of this IBA is the massive Willcox Playa, a broad alkaline lakebed fringed with semi-desert grassland (primarily saltgrass and sacaton) and mesquite. The playa is seasonally flooded to a shallow depth. Outlying this playa are the satellite lakes/wetlands of Cochise Lakes (or aka Lake Cochise), alkali flats, and Willcox Playa Wildlife Area containing Crane Lake. The Playa itself is a former bombing range and is not managed in anyway, and is posted no trespassing. BirDs: Willcox Playa and Crane Lake, within the northern portion of the Sulphur Springs Valley of Southeast Arizona, supports the second largest over-wintering concentration of Sandhill Cranes in Arizona.Breeding: Some shorebirds occasionally breed within the IBA, including American Avocet and rarely Snowy Plover.Migration: Both in spring and late summer shorebirds can stop-over in very substantial numbers at both the playa and along Cochise Lakes including: Wilson’s Phalarope, Willet, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet. Large numbers of waterfowl pass through and use Cochise Lakes, including: Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, and Cinnamon Teal.Winter: Besides Sandhill Cranes, many ducks over-winter on the lakes in large flocks, primarily composed of American Wigeon, Northern Shovelor, and Green-winged Teal.conserVAtion concerns: The primary threat to the value of this site for Sandhill Crane roosting habitat is loss of the adjacent corn agriculture that is the forage for the cranes. Another threat is urban/suburban development surrounding the playa and the resulting concurrent increase in groundwater pumpage leading to declining groundwater levels. This would impact the taller riparian vegetation, potentially leading to die-offs of native riparian trees.

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CLOCkWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LOWER OAk CREEk / MIDIMAN; SABINO CANYON / SEARCHNETMEDIA; SABINO CANYON / ROGER SMITH

Cover photo credits

Front cover photos (L to R) Row 1: Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of National Audubon; Willow Flycatcher / Syd Phillips; Blue River / kevin Dooley; Mexican Spotted Owl / Lincoln Wildlife. Row 2: Clapper Rail / Len Blumin; Lake Havasu / Mispahn; Lower Colorado River / Alan Stark. Row 3: Arivaca-Cienega / Matt Griffiths; Pinyon Jay / Ted Parowan; Lower San Pedro / Matt Griffiths. Row 4: Yellow-billed Cuckoo / Steve Baranoff; Huachucas / RPC Raleigh; Red Rock State Park / Arizona State Parks; Costa’s Hummingbird / John kennedy. Row 5: Patagonia Mountains; Gray Hawk / khyri; Gilbert Riparian Preserves / Johnida Dockens.

Back cover photos (L to R) Row 1: Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Arnett-Queen Creeks / GarryWilmore; Whiskered Screech-Owl / Len Blumin; Cave Creek / Take A Hike AZ; Gilded Flickers / Jim Burns. Row 2: Virginia’s Warbler / Jerry Oldenettle; Lake Havasu / Chris Austin; Bill Williams River / FWS. Row 3: Grand Canyon / Jeremy Wilburn; Montezuma Quail / Jerry Oldenettle; Huachuca Mounttains / Simplifies. Row 4: Sandhill Crane / Matthew Paulson; Upper Verde River SWA; Lower Oak Creek / Outdoor PDF; Blue Grosbeak / Blake Matheson. Row 5: San Rafael Grasslands / Jennie MacFarland; Western Grebes / Mark Watson; Marble Canyon / Arizona Traveler.

The purpose of the Important Bird Areas program is to identify a global network of sites that maintains the

long-term viability of wild bird populations while engaging the public to conserve areas of critical habitat.

The Arizona Important Bird Area program is made possible by the generous support

of Arizona Game & Fish Commission and Department through the Arizona

Bird Conservation Initiative. Thank You!

Documents

ArizonA’s importAnt Bird AreAsaziba.org/IBA-profiles-booklet-121113-screen-lr-ce.pdfin a broad semi-desert grassland in Southeastern Arizona. It is a 13 square mile sanctuary from