August 11–15, 2016 - Bringing you the birds of southeast ...tucsonaudubon.org/.../TAS_SEAZBF16_program_web.pdf · world. Birding is a passion, a practice, and a community whose

T U C S O N A U D U B O N P R E S E N T S

August 11–15, 2016

Prepare to be amazed by nature! Tucson Audubon and the Riverpark Inn invite you to experience southeast Arizona birding at its best. Immerse yourself in the spectacular and unique biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert and Sky Islands at the sixth annual Southeast Arizona Birding Festival.

Festival Keynoters: Jeff Gordon and Sheri WilliamsonJoin Jeff and Sheri for evening programs and field trips throughout the weekend.

REGISTER ONLINE AT TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/FESTIVAL

Clockwise from left: Elegant Trogon, Lois Manowitz; Sweetwater Wetlands, Jennie MacFarland; Broad-billed Hummingbird, Rhett Herring; Vermilion Flycatcher, Jeremy Hayes

Join Sheri on Friday for her evening presentation “Hummingbirds: Small Wonders”. Dazzling colors, “singing” feathers, huge brains, vo-racious appetites, continent-spanning migrations, and sometimes scandalous sex lives are just a few of the qualities that have earned these miniature marvels a devoted following far beyond the birding community. Grow in your ability to identify hummingbirds by taking Sheri’s workshop on Thursday afternoon and go out in the field on her guided “Big Hummingbird Day” on Friday.

SHERI WILLIAMSONAfter more than 20 years of general birding and hawkwatching, Sheri L. Williamson’s life got hijacked by hummingbirds when she and her hus-band and colleague Tom Wood moved to Arizona to manage The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve. A quarter century later, Sheri is still obsessed with these rainbow-hued warriors,

feeding them year round, maintaining a hummingbird garden, writing about them in her blog, and banding hundreds of them each year. She currently serves as Director of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Obser-vatory and is working on a revision of A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America in the Peterson Field Guide Series, originally pub-lished in 2002.

Join Jeff on Saturday for his evening presentation “Birding To-gether: How Birding Can Save Your Life, and Maybe, Just Maybe, Save the World.” This will be a celebration of the power of birding to heal and to transform, not only our own lives but even our world. Birding is a passion, a practice, and a community whose time has come. Jeff will also be your guide on the Friday field trip to Sweetwater Wetlands and on Saturday to California Gulch.

JEFF GORDON Jeffrey Gordon is the president of the American Birding Association, headquartered in Delaware City, Delaware. In addition to leading birding tours around a goodly portion of the globe, he is a frequent speaker and trip leader at birding and nature festivals. He served as field editor for Birdwatcher’s Digest, and is the coordinator

for the Delaware Birding Trail. A lifelong nature enthusiast, Jeff worked as an interpretive naturalist at national parks including Yosemite and Acadia, and at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. He spent 12 years leading birding tours full- time, specializing in North & Central America, as well as guiding trips to Antarctica and Africa. For more information on the ABA and on Jeff, visit aba.org.

Welcome!At the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, you are invited to hit the trails with our friendly expert leaders, who will help you track down your most wanted birds. Visit the Vendor Fair where you’ll find a variety of nature related gifts, optics, tour companies, and conservation opportunities. Learn new skills in workshops, and expand your horizons over dinner presentations. Make monsoon memories in Tucson this August 11–15.

The Southeast Arizona Birding Festival is a program of Tucson Audubon Society, and Tucson Audubon is For the Birds! With your support, we are working cooperatively with a diverse array of partners to create a more bird-friendly and birder-friendly community. You can count on us to create opportunities for all to discover, understand, and enjoy birds and the natural world.

We proudly:• support destination events like the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival to showcase our region’s unique watchable wildlife

and highlight the local economic impact of birding & nature tourism; • promote our community’s valuable natural assets—our special birds and wildlife and the places they thrive—that are the

foundation of a $1.4 billion statewide economic impact;• protect and enhance important areas for birds and birders: cherished natural habitats and renowned birding sites; and • provide information on the when, where, how and why of birdwatching and bird conservation in the Tucson region and beyond.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Jeff Gordon and Sheri Williamson share the spotlight at this year’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival.

DINNER/PROGRAM TIME ON FRI/SAT 6–8:30 PM; $65 PP Ticket to the dinner program includes one complimentary drink ticket to use at the afternoon social hour from 5:00 pm–6:00 pm in the Arizona Riverpark Inn lobby, a buffet dinner, and a seat at presentation.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org/festival for festival information, latest updates, and more!

Visit tucsonaudubon.org/festival for festival information, latest updates, and more! 1

WHY GO BIRDING IN ARIZONA IN AUGUST?Unlike most of the United States the desert southwest is highly influenced by a late summer monsoon. From late July through September, mois-ture-laden air streams up from the south, bringing frequent and often intense rains to the largely parched Sonoran Desert. This rain stimulates a wealth of plant growth, as palo verdes and ocotillos leaf out, grasslands turn green and lush, and a profusion of flowers sprout. Usually dry desert washes fill with water, and at night a chorus of frog song bursts forth seemingly from thin air. Small mammals and reptiles are much more in evidence, and a host of birds turn their attentions to breeding. It seems like virtually all of our resident bird species also respond to the increase in water, insect life, and forage by setting about the business of raising a second (or in some rare cases a third) brood of the year. It is in August when usually cryptic species such as Botteri’s, Cassin’s and Five-striped Sparrows are in full song, when Montezuma Quail chicks begin roaming the hills, and when we reach our peak hummingbird diversity. With some diligent searching and a few requisite hours looking at arrays of feeders it is possible to tally 12 or 13 species of hummingbirds in a day within 100 miles of Tucson! Our breeding warblers, gems such as Red-faced, Painted Redstart, Grace’s, Black-throated Gray, Olive and Virginia’s are joined in mid-August by the first of the southbound migrants such as Townsend’s and Hermit Warblers and can often be found in active feeding flocks plying the upper slopes of the Sky Islands.

It is a vibrant and dynamic time of year, and although still hot, the afternoon rains break up the oppressive nature of our summers.

Come join us for what is arguably one of the richest and most exciting birding areas in the country, but remember to bring an umbrella!

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2 Visit tucsonaudubon.org/festival for festival information, latest updates, and more!

FIELD TRIPS SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS

SWEETWATER WETLANDS FRI 8/12, 6–9AM $30 PP This is a “must see” destination for any birder with a few hours to spend in Tucson, and a great place to get started as a beginner birder. This artificial wetland is the premier waterbird location in the Tucson Valley, offering a stunning variety of species that can be found here at any season. We’ll need to arrive early before the day heats up to catch the prime activity, where we’ll look for everything from Cinnamon Teal to Abert’s Towhee! Accompanying our group will be our keynote speaker, Jeff Gordon, who will offer his wealth of knowledge on bird identification. **Meet at Sweetwater Wetlands**

CIENEGA CREEK & DAVIDSON CANYONFRI 8/12 & SUN 8/14, 5:30–11 AM $55 PPHere, perennial stream flow and lush riparian vegetation create an important nesting and migration corridor for a multitude of avian species. Home to Gray Hawk, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, and Lucy’s Warbler, the creek has also hosted a number of exciting vagrants. Under the shade of towering Fremont cottonwoods, we will explore this well-watered and increasingly rare habitat on a half-day outing.

AUGUST HMMM — HUMMINGBIRD MIGRATION MORNINGS AT WOW ARIZONA!FRI 8/12 & SUN 8/14, 6–11 AM $85 PPShare a delicious, gourmet, homemade breakfast on the “Hummingbird Patios” at WOW Arizona! You will be encircled by 25 hummingbird feeders, all within arm’s reach. Expect to see at least eight different species, as you indulge in a morning feast. When you are done with breakfast, walk the grounds and feel the buzz and the pulse of the tiny, colorful birds that surround you! Visit WOW Arizona’s website for more details. This trip is offered in partnership with WOW Arizona and a portion of the trip fee will be donated to Tucson Audubon so we can continue to work to protect southeast Arizona birds and their habitats.

SPARROWS AND RAPTORS OF LAS CIENEGASFRI 8/12, 5:00 AM–12 PM $70 PPUpstream and uphill of Cienega Creek near the town of Sonoita are the Las Cienegas grasslands. Managed by BLM, this area is host to several grassland breeders, including Cassin’s, Botteri’s and Grasshopper Sparrows and “Lilian’s” Eastern Meadowlark. A riparian corridor through the grasslands provides tall cottonwoods for nesting raptors such as Gray, Zone-tailed and Common Black Hawk. Enjoy a scenic morning with Homer Hansen looking for sparrows, raptors, and other species on this field trip. Prepare for this trip by taking Homer’s workshop on Thursday, “LBJs: Little Brown Jobbers.” See the workshop page for more details.

MADERA CANYON SAMPLERFRI 8/12, SAT 8/13 & SUN 8/14; 5:30 AM–12 PM $65 PPStarts in grassland habitat for singing Cassin’s, Botteri’s, and Rufous-winged Sparrows, species that have waited just for the monsoon season to breed. Then up to mid-elevation oak-juniper

habitat for Arizona Woodpecker, Painted Redstart, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher. We’ll spend some time exploring the riparian trail and investigating the hummingbird feeders that make Madera one of the best spots for hummingbird diversity in the country.

LAS CIENEGASSAT 8/13, 5:30AM–12:30 PM $65 PPThis 45,000 acre National Conservation Area with high desert grasslands, perennial streams, marshes, and juniper-oak woodlands is home to monsoonal breeders including the highly soughtafter Cassin’s, Botteri’s and Grasshopper Sparrows, as well as riparian-associated species like Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, and Summer Tanager. Plus black-tailed prairie dogs (and their Burrowing Owl Neighbors) and the possibility of pronghorn.

BORDERLAND SPECIALTIES: WILDCARDSUN 8/14, 5:30AM–12:30 PM $65 PPJoin local experts Rick Taylor (author of the new Birds of Southeastern Arizona and ABA’s A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona) and John Yerger for a wildcard exploration of several of the region’s “can’t miss” birding sites. The exact itinerary will be determined by the latest

FIELD TRIP DIFFICULTY LEVELSFlat walking on groomed trails or roads

Some mild slopes, but still on excellent surfaces

Steeper slopes or more rocky/rooted trails

Long walks away from road surfaces over hiking terrain

Prices are per person, registration required (includes transportation, and packed lunch on full-day trips, except for noted carpool trips)

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SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL FIELD TRIPS

sightings of borderland treats like Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and other potential birds include Zone-tailed Hawk, Virginia’s and Grace’s Warblers, Painted Redstart, Flame-colored Tanager, and Botteri’s and Cassin’s Sparrows.

WILLCOX SHOREBIRDING EXCURSIONSUN 8/14, 5:30 AM–12 PM $65 PPAlthough not a major flyway for waders, southeast Arizona still supports good numbers of a wide variety of shorebirds on migration. Join us on this half-day trip to the Willcox Twin Lakes and Benson Sewage Ponds to witness migration in action, and to gain some insights on how to identify some of the shorebird species that, albeit briefly, call Arizona home. Likely species include American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope, Long-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral, Stilt, Baird’s, Western, and Least Sandpipers. The lakes also play host to an array of migrant swallow species, as well as birds of the open grassland like Scaled Quail and Horned Lark. With sometimes hourly turn-over nearly every visit during migration has a good chance of turning up something unusual. This will be a very relaxed paced half-day trip with limited walking on level surfaces.

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPS

CALIFORNIA GULCH ADVENTUREFRI 8/12, SAT 8/13 & SUN 8/14; 5 AM–4 PM $110 PPThis trip sets out in search of some of the avian treasures (at the very northern edge of their ranges here) for which southeast Arizona is renowned. The day begins with a rugged mile-long (round-trip) trek to California Gulch in search of Five-striped Sparrow, Varied Bunting, and Montezuma Quail as well as other species from south of the border. We’ll also stop at Peña Blanca Lake to check for Least Grebe. Time-permitting, we may travel to the

Patagonia area to look for Thick-billed King-bird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird and more. Depending on recent reports, we may take short detours for Gray Hawk, Tropical Kingbird, and Black-capped Gnatcatcher or other border range specialties. Note: this trip includes a short but steep and rocky bird walk conducted at a leisurely pace appropriate to birdwatching.

BIG HUMMINGBIRD DAYFRI 8/12, 5 AM–4 PM $110 PPSoutheast Arizona is a mecca for U.S. humming-bird diversity, and the monsoon season is the best time of the year to find the full complement of species. Our goal is 13 including Lucifer, White-eared, and Berylline Hummingbirds. Flexible itinerary allows us to pinpoint staked-out species and spend some time sorting through often tricky female and immature plumaged birds. This trip will likely involve limited walking, plenty of opportunities for extended studies and photography.

BORDERLAND SPECIALTIES: WILDCARDSAT 8/13, 5:30 AM–2 PM $85 PPLocal expert Rick Taylor leads a wildcard exploration of several of the region’s “can’t miss” birding sites. Our itinerary will be determined by the latest sightings of borderland treats like Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher; other potential birds include: Zone-tailed Hawk, Virginia’s and Grace’s Warblers, Painted Redstart, Flame-colored Tanager, and Botteri’s and Cassin’s Sparrows.

MT. LEMMON: DESERT TO CONIFERSFRI 8/12 & SAT 8/13, 5:30 AM–3:30 PM $100 PPRising over 6,000 feet above Tucson, Mt. Lemmon, at 9157 feet asl, is the highest peak in the Santa Catalinas. The 25-mile journey up the wide, paved, two-lane Catalina Highway is

equivalent biologically to traveling from Mexicoto Canada. The fascinating array of desert denizens like Gilded Flicker at the base, to Olive, Red-faced and Grace’s Warblers on the easy drive up make this trip high on any birder’s list. The mountain supports very high numbersof breeding warblers, and by August they are beginning to form mixed species foraging flocks. A few hummingbird feeders are scattered around the route as well, and the day list will be high! Bonus: temps at the top nearly 30 degrees cooler than below, plus unparalleled scenery.

MONTOSA & FLORIDA CANYONSFRI 8/12, 5:15 AM–2 PM $85 PPMadera Canyon has long been the most visited spot in the Santa Rita mountains. Join us on a half-day exploration of two other excellent canyons in the range. Montosa Canyon supports some thornscrub habitat, as well as a nice drainage with scattered oaks and mesquites. We’ll seek out Black-capped Gnatcatchers, which have been breeding in the area for several years, and should see dazzling Varied Buntings on territory. On the north side of the mountain range a small canyon with dense streamside vegetation and permanent water will occupy the rest of our tour. Florida Canyon, and the adjacent research station offer a range of habitats, from mesquite grasslands, to dense oak forest and a community of upland desertscrub and wild cotton. Here we’ll look for Rufous-capped Warblers, which have set up a small breeding population in the canyon for the last several years.

FURTHER AFIELD: HUACHUCA MOUNTAINSFRI 8/12 & SAT 8/13, 5 AM–3:30 PM $105 PPWe’ll get an early start from Tucson to explore the madrean oak woodland and open pine forests of Carr Canyon. This scenic canyon on the east flank of the Huachucas supports species such as Arizona Woodpecker and Painted Redstart on its lower slopes, and species such as Olive Warbler, Buff-breasted Flycatcher and Greater Pewee along the upper stretches of the road. We’ll spend a few hours exploring along the main road that winds up to near the peaks of the Huachucas before taking our picnic lunch and then descending to nearby Ash Canyon, where a private bank of hummingbird feeders should be buzzing with activity, including perhaps the range-restricted and very attractive Lucifer Hummingbird. We will be walking slowly along nearly level dirt roads at up to about 7000 feet in elevation.

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FIELD TRIPS SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL

IDA CANYON/OVERSITE CANYONFRI 8/12, 5-4 PM $110 PPLocated on the southwest side of the Huachuca Mountains, these beautiful pine-oak canyons feature high elevations, sycamore-lined streams, and areas of long-needle pines. Birding will consist of a mix of hiking along rough but well-established forest service roads and some trail hiking. Some highlight species we hope to encounter include Gray Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern (“Mountain”) Pygmy-Owl, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Virginia’s Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, and more.

LOWER HUMBOLDT CANYON/PATAGONIA MTS (Carpool Trip)FRI 8/12, 5:30 AM–3:30 PM $50We’ll start exploring this pretty canyon by walking two miles up an old jeep road looking for birds common to mid-level Sky Island habitats including Painted Redstart, Elegant Trogon, Spotted Owl, and more. This trail is characterized by outstanding scenery, solitude, an interesting mine adit, and dry waterfall at the end. Afterwards, we’ll stop back in Patagonia and enjoy lunch at a local eatery and perhaps also make quick stops at the Roadside Rest Stop and Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds for any species of interest to participants before returning to the hotel. Participants are responsible for their own water, snacks, and lunch. We will carpool to our destination, requiring at least two participants to drive and take three others with them. In return, the fee will be waived for volunteer drivers. Reimbursement will occur post-trip.

SKY ISLANDS NATURALIST SAUNTERSAT 8/13, 5:30 AM–4:30 PM $110 PPJoin Naturalist, Wildlife Biologist, Ethnobotanist, and Wilderness Survival Instructor, Vincent Pinto, for an in-depth exploration of the Grasslands, Desert Scrub, Riparian Areas, and Madrean Evergreen Woodlands of the Patagonia region, making for a very diverse trip, bird and plant-wise! Vincent will lead you on a series of short walks to investigate the flora and fauna of the 42-acre Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary, spectacular Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and the Patagonia mountains. This trip has a good chance at Varied Bunting, Bell’s Vireo, Rufous-winged and Botteri’s Sparrow, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Elegant Trogon, Montezuma Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, and Painted Redstart.

PATAGONIA & RIO RICOSAT 8/13, 5:30 AM–4 PM $105 PPTowering cottonwoods support Gray Hawk, Yellowbilled Cuckoo and Northern Beard-less-Tyrannulet, and also form an important migration corridor along the Santa Cruz River. We’ll visit isolated wetlands near Rio Rico and Kino Springs for Blackbellied Whistling-Duck, Common Ground-Dove, Varied Bunting, Tropical Kingbird, and a variety of migrants. Next we’ll hit the famous birding locations of Patagonia targeting Zone-tailed Hawk, Thickbilled Kingbird and Violet-crowned Hummingbird.

A GRASSLAND SAMPLER OF BIRDS AND WINESAT 8/13, 5:30 AM–4 PM $105 PPThis field trip begins with a stop at Las Cienegas, a 45,000-acre national conservation area, with high desert grasslands, riparian strips with perennial streams, marshes, and juniper-oak woodlands. It is home to monsoonal breeders, including the highly sought-after Cassin’s, Botteri’s and Grasshopper Sparrows, as well as riparian-associated species including Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, and Summer Tanager. We will continue on to Patagonia, visiting several sites on the lookout for Common Ground-Dove, Varied Bunting, Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird and Violet-crowned Hummingbird and other migrants. Having worked up an appetite, we will enjoy a catered lunch and wine tasting at Sonoita Vineyards.

GARDNER CANYON/CAVE CANYONSAT 8/13, 5:30 AM–2 PM $85 PPThe Cave Canyon Trail on the east side of the Santa Rita Mountains offers some great birding and is very similar to the more popular Madera Canyon, except without the crowds. Mesquite grasslands along Gardner Canyon Road give way to oaks and junipers in the lower canyon, and finally some hiking to gain elevation will reward observers with more long-needle pines and a few more species as well. A wildfire did considerable damage to the upper portion of the trail as it ascends to Florida Saddle, so we will only hike through intact habitat and then back down. The birding will consist of a mix of hiking along rocky but well-established forest service roads and well-maintained, but some-times steep trails. Some highlight species we hope to encounter include Montezuma Quail, “Mountain” Pygmy-Owl (more often heard than seen), Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Greater Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Olive Warbler, Painted Redstart, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Scott’s Oriole.

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SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL FIELD TRIPS

SYCAMORE CANYONSAT 8/13, 5 AM–4 PM $110 PPThis remote canyon near the Mexico border is home to one of the most fascinating birding experiences in the area. Steep-sided canyon, riparian and pine-oak woodlands, and brushy hillsides are a few of the habitats that we will traverse. Montezuma Quail, Elegant Trogons, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, many species of fly-catchers, and Varied Buntings will be potential target species. Please be aware that some of the hiking and conditions in Sycamore can be strenuous and each participant should be in good physical shape.

SCOTIA CANYON (Carpool Trip)SAT 8/13, 6:30 AM–3:30 PM $50This wooded canyon follows Scotia Creek and offers excellent birding in relative seclusion from the more popular areas. Birds to see include Elegant Trogon, Montezuma Quail, an excellent chance for Buff-breasted Flycatcher, and all the typical oak-zone species. The drive out includes the last two miles on a good dirt road and we will park in the old Arizona Trail parking lot. Our hike will be along old jeep roads with minor elevation gains for about 1-2 miles total. We will eat lunch back at the cars. Participants are responsible for their own water, snacks, and lunch. We will carpool to our destination, requiring at least two participants to drive and take three others with them. In return, the fee will be waived for volunteer drivers. Reimbursement will occur post-trip.

MT. LEMMON & MT. BIGELOWSUN 8/14, 5 AM–1 PM $80 PPThe Catalina Mountains, just north of the city of Tucson, offer a respite from the heat of the desert floor, and access to high elevation forests that are more typical of the Rocky Mountains.

We’ll head straight up to dense spruce/fir forests and maple-filled draws in search of Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Red Crossbill, Olive Warbler and Northern Goshawk. Mixed species flocks often include numerous Red-faced, Townsend’s, Virginia’s, and Black- throated Gray Warblers.

PATAGONIA & SONOITAFRI 8/12 & SUN 8/14, 5:30 AM–4 PM $105 PPPatagonia is one of this area’s best known destinations for riparian birds. Nearby, Sonoita’s grasslands hold an entirely different set of species. There are many famous places to bird here and the Patons’ reports will determine our exact itinerary. Targets include Gray Hawk, Thick-billed Kingbird, Varied Bunting, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Botteri’s, Grass-hopper, and Cassin’s Sparrows.

PENA BLANCA LAKE AND CANYONSUN 8/14, 5 AM–2 PM $90 PPAn interesting man-made lake provides opportunities for a few wetland bird species, including the possibility of a Green Kingfisher, which made an appearance at the lake last August. The adjoining canyon has become quite popular recently and has been popular for Rufous-capped Warbler. Montezuma Quail favor the hillsides surrounding the lake and other interesting species include Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Varied Bunting, and migrants. Expect to walk on groomed trails around the lake and a gravel/loose rock forest service road through the canyon.

HUMMINGBIRD SAFARI FOR BEGINNERSSUN 8/14 6 AM–2 PM $80 PPThis small-group excursion is a “can’t miss” for beginner birders or visitors interested in getting to know some of the Tucson area’s most dazzling birds and a few popular, nearby birding sites!

SPECIALTY CLEAN-UPMON 8/15, 5:30 AM–2 PM $85 PPThis post-Festival trip is designed to find species of interest such as Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Elegant Trogon, Five-striped Sparrow, Thick-billed Kingbird, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, etc., that participants might have missed during the other Festival trips. Target birds and trip location/s will be selected by the Leader to match the interests of participants and decided upon during the course of the Festival. Participants will be asked to nominate species of interest prior to the Festival but then we will meet on Sunday afternoon to finalize target species and routes, grouping participants by their similar interests.

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YOUTH BIRDER OUTING sponsored by ZeissSUN 8/14, 6:30–9AM AT SWEETWATER WETLANDS, FREESweetwater serves as an environmental education facility and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Get ready for an easy walk through the wetlands to see water-fowl in the hundreds, regular and visiting warblers, and several exciting species hiding in the reeds. Birders ages 10–18 and of all experience levels are welcome to participate in an expert-led trip! You will have a chance to sample high-end Zeiss binoculars and receive a free Southeast Arizona bird checklist.

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SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

MUSEUM BIRDING: FROM THE SPECIMEN DRAWER TO THE FIELD WITH RICK WRIGHT THURS 8/11 & SAT 8/13, 10:30 AM–12:30 AM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, $35 PP How do we birders know the things we think we know? Where do “field marks” come from? And what on earth do all those dead birds on their backs in wooden drawers have to do with our hobby as we practice it in the 21st century? Join Rick Wright for a two-hour workshop exploring the intimate connections between museum specimens and conservation, research, and, yes, recreational birding along with stories of collecting adventure, daring, and even foolishness. Workshop participants will come away with new knowledge they can use in the field—and a new respect for the sources of that knowledge, sources that lie on their backs in wooden drawers.

LBJs: LITTLE BROWN JOBBERS WITH HOMER HANSENTHURS 8/11, 1:30–3 PM AT THE RIVERPARK INN, $35 PPOur skulky sparrows come to life during the monsoon season in southeast Arizona, and species such as Botteri’s, Cassin’s and Grass-hopper’s can be identified readily if you are familiar with their appearance and vocalizations. This workshop will introduce you to the breeding sparrows of our region, along with their habitat, identification characteristics, and songs.

HUMMINGBIRD ID: EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW! WITH SHERI WILLIAMSONTHURS 8/11, 3:30–5 PM AT THE RIVERPARK INN, $35 PPAugust is one of the most exciting months for hummingbird watching in southeastern

Arizona. Summer thunderstorms bring a second spring to the “sky island” mountains and valleys. Blooming wildflowers and the area’s famous feeding stations attract up to 15 hummingbird species plus many other colorful birds, butterflies, and much more. Join Sheri, Co-founder of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory and author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds, as she takes you through the spectrum of hummingbird ID, starting with the basics, and working your way up to understanding some of the more advanced ID issues.

DEMYSTIFYING EBIRD WITH JENNIE MACFARLANDSAT 8/13, 3–5 PM AT THE RIVERPARK INN, $25 PPeBird, a website and online birding tool, is changing the face of modern birding. This workshop will teach you what eBird is and why it’s important that you contribute, show you what it can do for you as a birder, and teach you how to get started. Join Jennie MacFarland, Tucson Audubon’s Bird Conservation Biologist, and get empowered to make your observations count! Bring your own laptop or device and enter in your festival birding lists during the workshop!

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VENDOR FAIR Open Thursday 5–7:30pm; Friday & Saturday, 12–6pm Sunday, 10–2pm

The Vendor Fair at the Riverpark Inn is open to everyone and offers many opportunities including:

• Shop for nature-related gifts, books, and much more at the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop.

• Get all your optics questions answered by a variety of optics reps including Zeiss, Swarovski, and Opticron.

• Become familiar with many top-notch bird tour companies.

• Meeting other people who share your passion for birding and conservation.

PRE AND POST FESTIVAL TRIPSConsider extending your stay in south-east Arizona by attending one or more of our Pre and Post- Festival Trips that we are offering in partnership with Solipaso and Borderland Tours. Both companies are generously donating a portion of the registration fee to Tucson Audubon to help us continue protecting birds and habitat in the region. Solipaso and Borderland Tours will have booths set up at our Vendor Fair and information for the pre and post trips, which are available on the festival website.

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OUR SPONSORS

FESTIVAL HOSTS

SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO

ABOUT YOUR STAY SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL

Our expert field trip leaders, workshop instructors, and keynote speakers include:

The Southeast Arizona Birding Festival planning committee brings their passion and vision to making the festival a success.

Tucson Audubon staff and volunteers work throughout the year to make every detail fall in place.

Jeff GordonSheri WilliamsonGeorge ArmisteadJeff Babson Chris BeneshAndy Bennett Gavin Bieber Ken BlankenshipChip ClouseBrian Gibbons Matt Griffiths Laurens Halsey Homer HansenTim HelentjarisKeith Kamper

Karen KrebbsKendall KroesenBryon Lichtenhan Larry LieseJennie MacFarland Jake Mohlmann Richard MoncriefScott Olmstead Vincent Pinto Cynthia PruettRick TaylorRaymond VanBuskirk Tom WoodRick WrightJohn Yerger

From all of us, we look forward to welcoming you to Tucson this August!

THE SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL IS MADE POSSIBLE BY AN AMAZING TEAM OF SUPPORTERS.

ABOUT YOUR STAY There are many restaurants, hotels, and attractions conveniently located near the festival headquarters. For more details, visit tucsonaudubon.org/festival.

VISIT TUCSONWith incredible attractions for the whole family, 350 days of sunshine for outdoor adventures and golf, an extensive arts and culture background, world-class accom-modations and spas, and a burgeoning culinary and nightlife scene, Tucson will keep you entertained and wanting to come back for more.

Socials, banquets, workshops and exhibits will all be held at this conveniently located downtown resort hotel, which features free breakfast, free wireless, free parking, on-site restaurant, swimming pool and more!

350 S. Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85745From I-10, take Congress Street, excit 258

TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

CONVENTION CENTER

UNIVERSITY OF AZ

SPEEDWAY

CONGRESS

SPECIAL FESTIVAL RATE at the Riverpark Inn: $74/night+ tax (includes complimentary full American breakfast buffet or “Early Birder” breakfast to go). Call 800-551-1466 and ask for the “Southeast Arizona Birding Festival” rate. Valid August 6–20, 2016.

The Riverpark Inn is a member of Tucson Audubon’s Birds Benefit Business Alliance and a proud co-host and partner of the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival!

For more information on visiting southeast Arizona, including alternate local accommodations offered by Tucson Audubon’s Birds Benefit Business Alliance members, go to: tucsonaudubon.org/visitingseaz.


JOIN TODAYReceive all the benefits of a Tucson Audubon membership:• Quarterly Vermilion Flycatcher news magazine· Discounts on Nature Shop merchandise· Special field trips, classes, and social gatherings· Opportunities to join a large, active volunteer membership who share your love of nature

Support Tucson Audubon’s mission:· Restore bird habitat· Protect water for birds and people· Establish Important Bird Areas· Grow community conservation power and effect positive change

We didn’t just reinvent binoculars.We reinvented birding.Explore the new ZEISS VICTORY SF.

Introducing VICTORY SF. Stunning light transmission. The widest, most natural field of view. And an extremely lightweight ergonomic design that enhances comfort. It’s like seeing every bird for the very first time. Developed especially to catch your birding moments.

Explore the new ZEISS VICTORY SF at your local dealer or join us at: www.zeiss.com/nature

// FASCINATION

MADE BY ZEISS

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL

FREETucson Audubon Green Tote!

(made from recycled plastic bottles)

FREETucson Audubon Green Tote

PLUS a $15.00 gift certificate

to our Nature Shop

INDIVIDUAL $35

FAMILY $50

If You Love It,Protect It!


SEE THE UNSEENWWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM

The TLS APO from SWAROVSKI OPTIK, this digiscoping adapter connects your SLR or system camera simply and quickly to your STX spotting scope. Enjoy moments even more – with SWAROVSKI OPTIK.

COMBINING A SPOTTING SCOPE AND A CAMERA

CAPTURING THE WONDER OF NATURE

DONATE TO THE TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY TODAYand help inspire people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, and restoration of the environment upon which we all depend.

Three easy options for contributing:• at the nature shop on-site at the festival• online at: tucsonaudubon.org• by mail: Tucson Audubon Society 300 E. University Blvd #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 Please make checks payable to: Tucson Audubon Society.

If You Love It,Protect It!

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 7Aug 7–9 p Pre-Trip: Bird Communities of the Sky Islands with Borderland Tours, $795Aug 7–10 p Pre-Trip: Madera, Mexico with Solipaso, $1200

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1110:30AM-12:30PM Workshop: Museum Birding with Rick Wright, $351:30 PM–3:00 PM Workshop: LBJs: Little Brown Jobbers with Homer Hansen, $35 3:30 PM–5:00PM Workshop: Hummingbird ID: Everything You Wanted to Know! with Sheri Williamson, $355:00 PM–7:00 PM Nightlife Social 5:00 PM–7:30 PM VENDOR FAIR OPEN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 125:00 AM–4:00 PM California Gulch Adventure, $1155:00 AM–3:30 PM Huachuca Mountains, $1055:00 AM–4:00 PM Big Hummingbird Day, $1105:00 AM–12:00 PM Sparrows and Raptors of Las Cienegas, $705:00 AM–4:00 PM Ida Canyon / Oversite Canyon, $1105:15 AM–2:00 PM Montosa Canyon / Florida Canyon, $855:30 AM–11:00 AM Cienega Creek / Davidson Canyon, $555:30 AM–12:00 PM Madera Canyon Sampler, $655:30 AM–2:00 PM Patagonia/Sonoita, $1055:30 AM–3:30 PM Mt. Lemmon: Desert to Conifers, $1005:30 AM–3:30 PM Lower Humboldt Canyon, $506:00 AM–9:00 AM Sweetwater Wetlands, $306:00 AM–11:00 PM Hummingbird Migration Mornings, $8511:00 AM–1:30 PM TERRACE CAFÉ OPEN12:00 PM–6:00 PM VENDOR FAIR OPEN5:00 PM–6:00 PM Social Hour, $56:00 PM–8:00 PM Keynote Presentation featuring Sheri Williamson, $65 Sponsored by Zeiss

SATURDAY, AUGUST 135:00 AM–3:30 PM Huachuca Mountains, $1055:00 AM–4:00 PM California Gulch Adventure, $1105:00 AM–4:00 PM Sycamore Canyon,$1105:30 AM–12:00 PM Las Cienegas NCA, $655:30 AM–2:00 PM Borderland Specialties, $855:30 AM–3:30 PM Mt. Lemmon: Desert to Conifers, $1005:30 AM–4:00 PM Patagonia & Rio Rico, $1055:30 AM–12:00 PM Madera Canyon, $655:30 AM–4:00 PM Gardner Canyon/Cave Canyon, $855:30 AM–4:00 PM A Grassland Sampler of Birds and Wine, 1055:30 AM–4:30 PM Sky Islands Naturalist Saunter, $1106:00 AM–11:00 AM Scotia Canyon, $5010:30 AM–12:30 PM Workshop: Museum Birding with Rick Wright, $3511:00 AM–1:30 PM TERRACE CAFÉ OPEN12:00 PM–6:00 PM VENDOR FAIR OPEN3:00 PM–5:00 PM Workshop: Demystifying eBird with Jennie MacFarland, $255:00 PM–6:00 PM Social Hour, $56:00 PM–8:00 PM Keynote Presentation featuring Jeff Gordon, $65 Sponsored by Swarovski Optik

SUNDAY, AUGUST 145:00 AM–1:00 PM Mt. Lemmon / Mt. Bigelow, $805:00 AM–4:00 PM California Gulch Adventure $1105:00 AM–2:00 PM Pena Blanca Lake and Canyon, $90 5:30 AM–11:00 AM Cienega Creek / Davidson Canyon, $555:30 AM–12:00 PM Madera Canyon Trogon Trek, $655:30 AM–12:00 PM Willcox Shorebirding, $655:30 AM–4:00 PM Patagonia & Sonoita, $1055:30 AM–12:00 PM Borderland Specialties, $656:00 AM–11:00 AM Hummingbird Migration Mornings, $856:00 AM–2:00 PM Hummingbird Safari, $806:30 AM–9:00 AM Youth Birders’ Outing, Sponsored by Zeiss10:00 AM–2:00 PM VENDOR FAIR OPEN

MONDAY, AUGUST 155:30 AM–2:00 PM Specialty Clean-up, $85Aug 15–19 p Post-Trip: Alpine Arizona with Borderland Tours, $1595Aug 15–22 p Post-Trip: Northwest Mexico with Solipaso, $2,650

Field Trip Workshop p Pre-/Post-Trip Evening Program

SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL SCHEDULE August 11–15, 2015

Poolside Tent

NATURE EXPORiverpark Ballroom Registration

Palo Verde Room

VolunteerBreak RoomBoard Room Workshops

Sabino RoomDinner Program

Cactus Ballroom

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Terrace Cafe & Bar

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TO REGISTER FOR THE SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL, VISIT TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/FESTIVAL

Registration is required to attend Field Trips, Workshops, and Evening Programs, and there is a non-refundable registration fee of $15 associated with those activities. YOUTH BIRDERS: No Registration Fee for 16 and under! Must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

Documents

August 11–15, 2016 - Bringing you the birds of southeast ...tucsonaudubon.org/.../TAS_SEAZBF16_program_web.pdf · world. Birding is a passion, a practice, and a community whose