Gambel’s Tales

The Newsletter of the Sonoran Audubon Society

Volume 10 Issue 1 September, 2008

At our next meeting…. Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Tom Gatz: Birds of the
World — A Hobby that got
out of Hand

Tom Gatz’s presentation encompasses

birding adventures as well as encoun-
ters with polar bears on the Canadian
tundra and icebergs in Antarctica. You
will enjoy his beautiful collection of
photographs taken around the world.

Tom’s 31 year career as a wildlife

biologist has taken him all over the
world. He has previously given two
programs to the Sonoran Audubon
Society and both were well re-
ceived. Now retired, Tom currently
volunteers at the Desert Botanical
Garden several mornings each week. Tom Gatz in his world of birds

QUICK LOOK: What’s Happening in our Chapter?

The Program………………………………….Page 1
What’s Happening in our Chapter…………Page 1-2
SAS Trip Schedules………………..…….. Pages 2-3
IBA Information ………………………….. Page 4-5
SAS Members articles input………………….Page 6
Pinetop Trip pictures………………………...Pages 7
Events in and around the Valley ……………..Page 8
Officers & Committees……………………….Page 9
Calendar of Meetings………………………..Page 10
By Your Editor, George Wall
The Sonoran Audubon Society board meetings con-
tinued through the summer at the regular meeting
time and place. Carol Schooler assumed the duty as
the treasurer. Thank you Loretta Richards for doing
such a fine job during your tenure as treasurer. Diana
Barnum and Annie Teff assumed duties as Directors
at Large board members replacing Suzanne Cash and
Dick Fogle.

Committee Reports:

CAN YOU WRITE? A. Membership: Nothing to report during the

I can sure use some input for articles. Take a look at summer.
the Dr. Jerry Theis and Dick Fogle stories. I can help B. Education and Outreach: Most of the
you organize or even write the article if you give me books that were available were sold at the various
the particulars.—George Wall (Continued on Page 2)

Gambel’s Tales
Page 1
 (Continued from Page 1)
What’s Happening in our Chapter?
bird walks, event tables and the meetings prior to the sum-
mer. The supply is now restocked and ready for the fall
bird walks at Estrella Mountain Park starting in October.
C. Field Trips: The trip committee met on August 1,
2008, and planned the trips through November 2008.
D. Programs: The program committee, consisting of
Eleanor Campbell and George Wall, has all the programs
lined up through May of 2009. Take a look at the last page
of this newsletter. There are some great programs through-
out the next nine months.
E. Finance: Janet Miano, an accountant and member
of Desert Rivers Audubon Society, volunteered and re-
viewed our financial accounts in order for the new treas-
urer to take over. Everything looked good, but she advised
us to use the Quick Books program to keep our records in.
Other Items of Discussion:
A. After a year of having a phone for the Sonoran
Audubon Society, it was decided to stop wasting the
money for it. There were very few calls and none really
worth while. The majority of the calls concerned injured
birds and where could they take them. We have since put a
quick look on the first page of our Web site that answers
this question.
B. The next Sonoran Audubon Society Board retreat
will be held at Hassayampa on Saturday, September 13;
2008 at 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. which leaves time for bird-
ing beforehand. Committee chairs and key committee
members are recommended to attend as well as anyone
interested in helping our society move forward. We always
need new people and ideas. Christine Franson from Game
and Fish will be our facilitator and our vice-president,
Karen LaFrance, will work with her to make sure the day
is scheduled and we get the most out of it.
C. It was recommended and approved that we get our
own equipment for handling all the programs. This means
buying a projector, computer, microphone and necessary
hookups and programs. This will prevent us from having
delays or no programs because the equipment wasn’t
available. It was also proposed that prior to the meetings,
we have rolling photos of birds, recent trip pictures and a
slide of upcoming trips. Once the equipment is purchased,
this should become a reality.
D. Karen LaFrance reported that she had submitted
three grant proposals—ABCI for $2525, Together Green
Leadership for $10K and Together Green Innovation for
$35K. One of the proposals has already been accepted and
we received a grant for $2525.
Page 2
General Membership Meeting
E. It was voted on and approved that Karen La-
France attend the Leadership Workshop at Hog Is-
land, Maine , August 10-16, 2008.
F. Grand opening of the Audubon Center is the
fall of 2009.
Fall/Winter 2008 Field Trips
REQUIREMENT: On all trips, YOU MUST make
reservations by calling. The leader can then give up-
dated information as to the meeting place, times, etc.
Also, some trips are limited in size.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Tres Rios Wetlands
Leader: Rich Schooler 623-930-8904
raschooler@cox.net
Tres Rios Wetlands Project located at the 91st Ave.
Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Salt River is a
haven for many bird species. Habitats, which con-
tinue to improve, include a running stream, marsh,
desert and woods that provide environments for a
variety of ducks, shorebirds and residents at any time
of year.
Difficulty: 1 Morning only.
Meet at Tres Rios Wetlands parking area at 6 a.m. or
get a group and carpool from the Sun Bowl parking
lot on 107th Ave. just south of Peoria Ave. in Sun
City to LEAVE at 5:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Page Springs and Area
Leader: Donna Smith 623-556-9535
rms15247@cox.net
Page Springs is a fish hatchery where water also at-
tracts many birds. There are also Arizona Sycamore
and cottonwoods surrounding the water. Bridled
Titmouse is a resident and Common Black Hawks
nest regularly. There is a new birding trail, a part of
the Page Springs Important Bird Area, traversing
through flat marshland to Oak Creek. Look for
wrens, Western Bluebird, Spotted Towhee, Logger-
head Shrike and Bridled Titmouse.
Difficulty: 1 Bring Lunch.
Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, 2008
Heartstone Mountain Ranch and Area
Leader: Tice Supplee 602-468-6470 or cell 602-
380-3722 tsupplee@audubon.org
Gambel's Tales
 (Continued from Page 2)
Summer/Fall 2008 Field Trips
This trip is a combined Sonoran Audubon and Desert
Botanical Gardens field trip. The ranch is located off
State Route 83 about 25 miles SE of Sonoita. Camp-
ing will be at the ranch with a cost sharing for the
facility. Hiking/birding will be in the Canelo Hills
segment of the Arizona Trail and Lyle Canyon on the
west side of the Huachuca Mountains.
Difficulty: 2-3
This trip will be limited to 15 people. Contact one of
the trip leaders to register and for more details.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Lockett Meadow
Leader: Dan Bohlmann 602-938-8244
dansbohlmann@prodigy.net
Lockett Meadow is a beautiful meadow in the area
between the five peaks that make up the San Fran-
cisco Peaks. There is a small pond that attracts some
high altitude birds along with the fir, spruce and aspen
forest that surrounds the meadow. The elevation is
8,600 ft. and it is reached by a gravel road that can be
driven by any passenger car. Because of the high alti-
tude I have seen Sapsuckers, Gray Jays, Clark’s Nut-
crackers, Mountain Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes and
Red Crossbills there.
Difficulty: 1 Bring a Lunch
Meet at Denny’s near I17 and Bell to leave at 6:30.
Call for reservations and alternate meeting location.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Rio Salado
Leader: To be announced
Contact: George Wall 623-875-7057
gwall5@cox.net
Rio Salado is one of our newer birding areas on the
Salt River in downtown Phoenix There is plenty of
water in the ponds and the river so birds should be
there.
Difficulty 1: This is a morning walk only
Meet at the Sun Bowl parking lot on 107th Ave. in
Sun City just south of Peoria Ave. to leave at 6:15
a.m. or meet at the Rio Salado parking lot on South
Central Ave (Northeast Corner) a little before 7 a.m.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Arlington Valley
Leader: To be announced
Arlington Valley west of Phoenix and Buckeye and
south of Arlington with fields, ponds, canals, open
Page 3
water and desert make it a good place to search for
birds. In past fall field trips Sandhill Cranes were seen in
fields and American White Pelicans were at Gillespie
Dam. Long-billed Dowitcher, Horned Lark, American
Pipit and American Avocet have been seen. A rare bird
sighting has sometimes created excitement.
Difficulty: 1 Bring Lunch.
Meet at the Sun Bowl parking lot on 107th Ave. just
south of Peoria Ave. in Sun City at 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Gilbert Water Ranch
Leaders: Chuck & Loretta Richards 623-594-6554
carichards@nowonline.net
The Gilbert Water Ranch is one of the Valley’s better
winter birding places. The ponds attract large numbers
of ducks and shore birds. There are many common per-
manent valley birds, plus lots of other winter migrants.
The trails are well maintained, graveled and level. Fifty
plus birds are usually seen or heard on trips to this site.
Difficulty: 1 Morning only.
Be sure to contact the leader to register and arrange car-
pooling. Meet at Lowe’s parking lot on Thunderbird
just west of 83rd Ave. by the Burger King. There is lots
of parking available. We plan to leave at 7:00 a.m.
There may be an additional meeting place designated
along I-17 if needed (to join at GWR).
Friday – Sunday
February 20-22, 2009
Yuma and the Salton Sea with Henry Detwiler
Coordinator: Chuck Richards 623-594-6554 carich-
ards@nowonline.net
We will be leaving mid-morning on Friday the 20th.
Birding on the way will depend on opportunities. After
lunch, we will bird the Yuma area adjacent to the Colo-
rado River. Saturday morning we will be joined by
Henry Detwiler and leave early for the Salton Sea where
we will bird all day. Sunday will also be an early day
with Henry. We will bird the morning in areas east of
Yuma before returning to Phoenix.
To insure maximum access to all Salton Sea birding
locations, high clearance and all wheel drive would be
preferred. There will only be 4 vehicles used for the
portions of the trip guided by Henry.
Difficulty: 1
There is a limit of 15 people for the trip. The fee per
person for our guide is $35 which the coordinator will
collect. More information will be provided prior to the
trip.
Gambel’s Tales
 IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS—by DeWayne Smith as appeared in the July 9, 2008, Arizona Republic
Birds live everywhere. Just check out your backyard. However, there are currently 35 places in Arizona designated
as Important Bird Areas that are under the watchful eye of Audubon Arizona, through a special program funded
through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Bird Conservation Initiative program.

Important Bird Areas are sites that provide critical habitat for birds considered to be at risk (endangered, threatened
or of concern), attract significant populations during breeding, wintering or migration seasons, where the habitat it-
self is rare or there are exceptional examples of ecological communities.

According to Tice Supplee, director of bird conservation for Audubon Arizona, an IBA designation carries no offi-
cial regulatory power but is an identification that elevates its prominence and encourages property managers (federal
agencies, etc.) and landowners to aid in enhancement and restoration programs.

“After an area is identified, we implement conservation strategies and bring in volunteers to help with protection,”
Supplee said. “We train volunteer birders to monitor the birds themselves. Their information goes into the aziba.org
Web site and is added to avian knowledge networks locally and globally.”

A quick check of an IBA map shows special designations have been installed as far north as Marble Canyon on the
Colorado River to extreme southern Arizona along the Mexican border.

“We just added five new IBAs,” Supplee said. “Three are the Havasu, Imperial and Cibola National Wildlife Ref-
uges on the lower Colorado. Another is Whitewater Draw in the southeast part of the state, and the last is located at
the headwaters of the Verde River.”

Supplee said the Western yellow-billed cuckoo, along with the yellow warbler, are “focus” birds for the Upper Verde
River Wildlife Area. Waterfowl, primarily migrating Canada geese and clapper rails, are the key species at the wild-
life refuges, although Cibola also receives a big population of Sandhill cranes that migrate from northern Nevada
each winter. Whitewater also attracts a huge number of cranes.

Although birds don’t have to be at risk to be the subject of an IBA, it doesn’t hurt.

The Southwest willow flycatcher is one of the more endangered species in the state. And the desert nesting bald ea-
gle is another species of concern.

“By far and away many of the species we identify live in wetlands and riparian areas, key bird habitats in Arizona,”
Supplee said. “Birds that are primarily found in Mexico but whose northern range is in southern Arizona, such as the
five-striped sparrow found in Sycamore Canyon in the Atascosa Mountains, are of particular interest.”

Scott Wilbur is the IBA biologist and works out of the Tucson Audubon Society office. Supplee describes him as
“the go-to-guy” for the science portion and says he developed survey protocol, makes sure the science is correct and
coordinates filed people in the southern part of the state.

Supplee explained that implementation and success of the IBA program in many areas rests with private landowners.
She points out that landowners’ wishes regarding limited or no public access are strictly followed, and permission
always is sought before visiting the area.

Supplee emphases that the Audubon folks aren’t going around the state establish IBAs at the drop of a hat.

“What we do is overseen by a science committee made up of members from academia, managing agencies and peo-
ple who are knowledgeable about birds,” Supplee said. “This committee is fussy, as each prospective area has to
meet specific scientific criteria.”

Besides the Game and Fish Department, other supports include Arizona State Parks, the National Park Service, U.S.
Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Wildlife Refuges, Sonoran and Intermountain West Joint
Ventures, the Nature Conservancy in Arizona, state universities and colleges, plus many private organizations and
individuals.

Page 4 Gambel's Tales

FIVE NEWEST IBAs
The Arizona Important Bird Area Science Committee approved five locations as meeting state criteria for identification as IBAs
on June 24, 2008. The committee members include scientists from colleges, universities, and wildlife and land management agen-
cies. The newest Arizona Important Bird Areas are the three Lower Colorado River National Wildlife Refuges and two Arizona
Game and Fish Department Wildlife Areas:

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Mohave County, this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge protects 30 river miles - 300 miles of shoreline - from Nee-
dles, 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 that includes the 4,000-acre Topock Marsh. Western and Clark’s grebes raise their young
in both Topock Marsh and Topock Gorge and herons and egrets nest in rookeries in the marsh. Topock Marsh is a very important
breeding site for the federally endangered Yuma Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis), (Audubon/ABC Watch List 07-
Yellow) The refuge shelters thousands of Canada and snow geese and ducks each winter.

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is in La Paz County and from late October through February, the farm fields are full of Canada, Snow, and Ross’
geese. Mid-late September is the best time to see white-fronted geese as they are passing through on migration-- occasionally sev-
eral will winter on the refuge. The largest portion of the lower Colorado River population of Greater Sandhill Cranes, in excess of
2,000 cranes in some years winter on the refuge as well as thousands of ducks including mallard, northern pintail, American Wid-
geon, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal. Clark’s,
Western, and Pied-billed grebes are also present. Other wintering birds include Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles, and occasional
Peregrine Falcons. Northern Nevada is the primary nesting area for the 1800-2500 Greater Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis
tabida) population that winters along the LCRV.

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Yuma County, this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge is a very important breeding site for the federally endangered
Yuma Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis), (Audubon/ABC WatchList 07- Yellow) and the rare California Black Rail
(Laterallus jamaicensis) (Audubon/ABC WatchList 07- Red). Spring and Fall offer the greatest variety of birds and the best bird-
ing 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. Canada & White-fronted Geese, Tundra Swan (rare, winter), Clark’s & Western Grebes (breed), Black
and Clapper Rails (breed), Least Bittern (breeds), Sandhill Crane (rare, migration & winter), Bald Eagle (winter), Peregrine &
Prairie Falcons (winter), Common Poorwill (breeds), Ladder-backed & Gila Woodpeckers (residents), Willow Flycatcher
(migrant), Crissal Thrasher (breeds), Warblers (wintering, migrants), Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee (breeds), Sage Sparrow.
Desert birds include Phainopepla, Verdin, and Lucy’s Warbler (early spring).

Upper Verde River Wildlife Area

This Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Area is located in northern Yavapai County and includes the most recently pro-
tected segment of Granite Creek just above the confluence with the Verde River. The Upper Verde River property includes ap-
proximately 3.5 miles of the upper Verde River, draining easterly from the headwaters, past the confluence with Granite Creek to
the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Prescott National Forest boundary downstream. Approximately 1.5 miles of Granite Creek upstream
from its confluence at the Verde River is within the Wildlife Area. Within the Verde River section are some State Trust Lands
(1056 ac.) under a Special Land Use Permit held by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The Verde River represents the most
significant perennial waterway in the northern 1/3 of the state. Aside from supporting rare or priority riparian breeding species, it
serves as an important stopover and/or wintering grounds for a host of migratory birds. The Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (the
IBA) contains the headwaters of the Verde River. It provides breeding habitat for species of conservation concern (special status
species) in Arizona, including the: Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow Warbler, and Lucy’s Warbler, all which occur in sig-
nificant numbers within the IBA.

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

This Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Area is located in southern Cochise County and is of state and regional significance as the
primary wintering area for Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) in Arizona, and includes both the Lesser (most numerous) and
Greater subspecies. Whitewater Draw is in the southern Sulphur Springs Valley and cranes are coming from both the Rocky
Mountain population and Mid-Continental population. The area also supports wintering Snow Geese (80-200) and a few Ross’s
Geese (occasional to 40). Counts of Sandhill Cranes in early January have steadily climbed from 4,000 in 1991 to over 22,000 in
2008. Two other species of conservation status occur in the winter and migration periods at Whitewater Draw: Mountain Plover, 0
to 40 individuals occasionally (IUCN: Vulnerable, Audubon/ABC WatchList 07- Red) and Long-billed Curlew up to 40+ birds,
(IUCN: Near Threatened, Audubon/ABC WatchList 07- Yellow). Many species of relatively small populations (in Arizona in the
winter) also are known to occur regularly at the Wildlife Area in small numbers, they include Bald Eagle (1-2), Golden Eagle (1-
2), Ferruginous Hawk (1-5), Prairie Falcon (1-2), and occasionally Peregrine Falcon.

Gambel’s Tales
Page 5
The Wallcreeper Barred Owl
By Dr. Jerry Theis By Dick Fogle

The Wallcreeper is essentially a rock climbing, long-
billed, insectivorous nuthatch of remote Eurasian moun-
tains, per Don Roberson. It breeds high in the mountains
from the Spanish Pyrenees and European Alps through the
Himalayas to China. In winter, birds move to lower eleva-
tions to inhabit quarries, ruins and boulders in river beds.
The Wallcreeper is the only member of its family and is
rare in all locations. It is most easily found in Bulgaria.
In April of 2008, my wife Anne and I, took a trip to
see some of our relatives in Louisiana. Being a strong
birder, I naturally planned out our route to take us to
some of the best birding trails and spots along the
gulf coast. One of the spots we visited was the Jean
LaFitte Wetlands Preserve south of New Orleans.
As we were walking along a trail, we noticed some-
one with a very powerful camera taking pictures. We
asked what he was taking pictures of and he said, “a
Barred Owl”. It had been many years since I had
seen one and when I looked, I couldn’t believe how
close and beautiful he was. Luckily, I had my camera
and was able to get this picture.

The Wallcreeper
The Wallcreeper is striking in appearance, flashing red
wing patches in butterfly-like flight. I saw my Wallcreeper
in the Trigrad Gorge, high above the rushing Trigradska
River in Western Bulgaria in May, 2008, while on a Sun-
bird tour. Sunbird is the U.K. branch of Wings Birding
Tours.
Our tour took us from Sofia to the Central Rodopi Moun-
tains., the site of the Wallcreeper, then on to Kroumov-
grad, where highlights were various shrikes and a Scops
Owl. We then visited Kladenetz, known for birds of prey,
and we saw Griffon and Black Vultures, as well as bee-
eaters, rollers, and many warblers. At the Black Sea we
saw wheatears and eagles, while staying in Burgas. Near
Kavarna we saw Semi-collared Flycatcher and four wood-
pecker species, along with Squacco Heron, gulls, and
shorebirds. A highlight was a perched Eagle Owl. At Lake Barred Owl – Photo by Dick Fogle
Durankulak, we saw Collared Pratincoles, Little Bitterns,
The Barred Owl is a large typical owl. It is known by
Ferruginous Ducks, and various tits. Larks and buntings
many names including hooter, rain, wood, and striped
also were prevalent. At Lake Srebarna Biosphere Reserve
owl; but is probably known best as the hoot owl. It is
we saw Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, and an
the only owl of the eastern United States which has
elusive Wryneck. We worked our way back to Sofia via
brown eyes; all others have yellow eyes. The head is
Silistra and Etara birding along the way. Our total species
round and lacks ear tufts.
list was 200.
Breeding habitat is dense woods across Canada, the
In addition to birds, we were very fortunate to see the Bul-
eastern United States and south to Central America.
garian Wildcat ( a young male crossing the road) and the
European Badger, in addition to wonderful lizards, insects, This was not the only nice bird we saw but clearly it
centipedes (poisonous) and a snake (non-poisonous)! stands out as one of the best on our trip.

Page 6 Gambel's Tales

 Pinetop and Area Field Trip—August 4-6, 2008
By George Wall

L-R: Dan Bohlmann, Marshall Esty, George Wall (leader), Vera Markham, Annie Teff, Gerry Horton, Diana
Barnum, Shirley Fackelman, Ann McDermott and Donna Smith

The group above made the trip to Pinetop and surrounding areas to do some birding. In the two days, 71 different spe-
cies were seen or heard. Some of the highlight birds seen were a Bald Eagle, Sora and a Hepatic Tanager.

The group stayed at the Best Western Inn which was extremely nice. The room had many amenities including a mi-
crowave and a refrigerator. A full course breakfast was also served as part of the amenities.

Bald Eagle Hepatic Tanager

Photos by George Wall

Gambel’s Tales
Page 7
EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE VALLEY
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project
A birders paradise awaits you just 1/2 mile south of
downtown Phoenix! Discover many of the 200 species of
birds that have been identified at the Rio Salado Habitat
Restoration Area as you walk along the Salt River.
The bird walk for this month is on Saturday, September
6, 2008, led by Tom Gaskill. The walk is from 7:30-9:30
a.m. (CourseID #50723). Meet at the visitors’ plaza on
the north bank at Central Ave.
There is a Sparrow ID workshop (Course ID #50720) on
Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
If birds are not your thing, maybe bats are. There is a Bat
Walk, Talk and Listen program (Course ID #50724) on
Saturday, September 13, 2008, from 6-8 p.m.
You should make your reservation in advance by visiting
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS and click on Classes and
Programs and enter the course number. You can also call
602-262-6863 and leave a voice mail. Note: All of the
courses above including the bird walk have a cost of $5
for adults, $1 for youths and seniors,
Birders’ Anonymous
Birders’ Anonymous, a group of birdwatchers, has their
next meeting on Friday, September 19, 2008, from 10 –
11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Palms on the corner of
Boswell and 103rd Ave. in Sun City in King Hall.
For further information contact Marshall Esty at 623-977-
1637 or at mne@juno.com
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden entrance fees of $10.00 ($9.00
seniors) apply unless you’re a DBG member. Member-
ship is $55 a year. See their website at www.dbg.org for
further information.
Hassayampa River Preserve
Entrance fees are $5, TNC members $3 and children 12
and under are free. For information call 928 684-2772 or
e-mail www.bmccollum@tnc.org.
For those into bird banding, the dates are Saturday, Sep-
tember 6 and Saturday, September 20, 2008, starting at
6:30 a.m.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
“Bye-Bye Buzzards” - September 27, 2008
(Saturday) from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
One of the Arboretum’s signature events is our seasonal
Page 8
salute to the migrant flock of Turkey Vultures before
these huge black birds fly south to spend their winter
months in Mexico. Celebrate ornithology and learn
about Turkey Vultures, misunderstood scavengers
which play an integral role in our Sonoran desert eco-
system. Join our staff and volunteers observing the
resident flock from 7-8:30 a.m. Visitors are invited to
join our 8:30 a.m. guided birdwalk to learn about
other species. Desert Rivers Audubon will be here;
Arizona Game & Fish Department wildlife rehab vol-
unteers will bring their popular exhibit of live birds,
reptiles and small mammals 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is now in their winter
schedule from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during special
programs. Admission of $7.50 for adults, $3 ages 5-
12.
For driving directions or other details, call 520-689-
2811 or visit their internet website at http://
arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/.
Festivals
Monterey Bay Birding Festival September 26-28,
2008, in Watsonville, California
Join bird watchers for the 4th Annual Monterey Bay
Birding Festival that will be held in Watsonville, Cali-
fornia. Over 220 species were found in 2007. See their
website at http://www.montereybaybirding.org/
Sandhill Crane Festival November 7-8, 2008, in
Lodi, California
Crane tours and family activities, art show, wine re-
ception and featured speakers. www.cranefestival.com
15th Annual Wings Over Willcox Sandhill Crane
Celebration – January 14-18, 2009.
Tours and Seminars focus on: Sandhill Cranes – thou-
sands up close and personal, Raptors and Winter Spar-
rows, Geology, Southwest History and Archeology,
Mining, Ranching and Farming, Beginning and Ad-
vanced Birding, Wildlife Photography, Astronomy,
Bats and Reptiles, Free Seminars, Trade Fair and Si-
lent Auction and noted ornithologist Dr. Paul Johns-
gard is the Banquet speaker. Willcox, Arizona. 800-
200-2272 or www.wingsoverwillcox.com
13th Annual San Diego Birding Festival—March
5-8, 2009, at the Marina Village.
The keynote speaker will be David Sibley. He will
also lead a trip. http://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/
birdfest.htm
Gambel's Tales
Join the National Audubon Society
New adult or family membership: $20.00
Seniors and students: $15.00
Renewal fee for seniors and students: $15.00
These fees cover membership in the National Audubon
Society and a subscription to Audubon magazine. An
application form for National membership may be ob-
tained from the chapter at the regular meeting or by
contacting <chuckkan@mindspring.com>.
Each year all National members in the Sonoran Audu-
bon chapter area receive the September Gambel’s Tales
that describes major chapter activities for the year. All
monthly issues of Gambel’s Tales may be obtained free
from the chapter website <www.sonoranaudubon.org>
or by mail for $10.00 per year. If you wish to get the
newsletter by mail or to be notified when a new issue is
placed on the website, please contact chuck-
kan@mindspring.com or by mail to: Sonoran Audu-
bon Society, P O Box 8068, Glendale, AZ 85312-
8068.
SAS Web Site: www.sonoranaudubon.org
Arizona Audubon Web Site: www.az.audubon.org
Desert Rivers Audubon Web Site:
www.desertriversaudubon.org
Maricopa Audubon Web Site:
www.maricopaaudubon.org
Page 9
Sonoran Audubon Society Officers, Board Members
and Committee Contacts:
Officers
President: Robert McCormick 602-237-3951
mcbobaz@aol.com
Vice President: Karen LaFrance 602-788-9646
klaf@cox.net
Treasurer: Carol Schooler 623-930-8904
raschooler@cox.net
Secretary: John Arnett 623-695-0953
treerunner@yahoo.com
Board Members— Directors at Large
Diana Barnum 623-215-3400 didibar@cox.net
Eleanor Campbell 623-977-7639 ercamp@juno.com
Chuck Richards 623-594-6554 carichards@nowonline.net
Rich Schooler 623-930-8904 raschooler@cox.net
Andrée Tarby 480-948-1074 atarby@cox.net
Annie Teff 623-815-1826 rteff1@cox.net
George Wall 623-875-7057 gwall5@cox.net
Daniela Yellan 602-942-7791 azpajaros@cox.net
Committees
Programs: Eleanor Campbell and George Wall—See
phone numbers and email addresses above.
Education: Eleanor Campbell 623-977-7639
ercamp@juno.com and Rich Schooler 623-930-8904 ra-
schooler@cox.net
Field Trips: Donna Smith 623-556-9535
rms15247@cox.net
Hospitality: Diana Barnum 623-215-3400 didibar@cox.net
Publicity: Tim Cullison: 602-863-9744
timcullisonaz@aol.com
Membership: Charles Kangas 623-931-6677
chuckkan@mindspring.com
Newsletter: George Wall 623-875-7057 gwall5@cox.net
Conservation: Tina Bickel bbickel08@gmail.com
Gambel’s Tales
Calendar of Monthly Meetings…

Location: Auditorium, Glendale Public Library, 5959 West Brown Street

(one block south of Peoria Ave. & 59th Ave. intersection) Time: 6:30 p.m. for socializing and
7 p.m. for the start of the meeting and program

September 10, 2008—Tom Gatz: Birds of the World—A Hobby that got out of Hand
October 8, 2008—Kathy Sullivan: California Condors
November 12, 2008—Paul & Gloria Halesworth: Avian Rehabilitation—A Thousand Mouths to Feed
December 10. 2008—Rick Wright: Birds of Bulgaria
January 14, 2009 —George Wall: Birding Australia
February 11, 2009—Moez Ali: Birds of Kenya
March 11, 2009—Amy & Tim Leu: Feathered Hearts
April 8, 2009—Tim Cullison—Kittlitz’s Murrelet with Alaska Wildlife
May 13, 2009—Speaker from the Arizona Riparian Council

Other Dates of Interest: September 3, 2008, 7 p.m. Board Meeting at Glendale Library in the small meeting room – all
SAS members welcome. September 13, 2008, Annual Retreat at Hassayampa River Preserve

Sonoran Audubon Society

P.O. Box 8068
Glendale, AZ 85312-8068

Page 10 Gambel's Tales