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Committee Reports:
Gambel’s Tales
Page 1
(Continued from Page 1) General Membership Meeting
What’s Happening in our Chapter?
E. It was voted on and approved that Karen La-
France attend the Leadership Workshop at Hog Is-
bird walks, event tables and the meetings prior to the sum-
land, Maine , August 10-16, 2008.
mer. The supply is now restocked and ready for the fall
bird walks at Estrella Mountain Park starting in October.
F. Grand opening of the Audubon Center is the
fall of 2009.
C. Field Trips: The trip committee met on August 1,
2008, and planned the trips through November 2008.
D. Karen LaFrance reported that she had submitted Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, 2008
three grant proposals—ABCI for $2525, Together Green Heartstone Mountain Ranch and Area
Leadership for $10K and Together Green Innovation for Leader: Tice Supplee 602-468-6470 or cell 602-
$35K. One of the proposals has already been accepted and 380-3722 tsupplee@audubon.org
we received a grant for $2525.
Gambel’s Tales
Page 3
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.
Gambel’s Tales
Page 5
The Wallcreeper Barred Owl
By Dr. Jerry Theis By Dick Fogle
The Wallcreeper is essentially a rock climbing, long- In April of 2008, my wife Anne and I, took a trip to
billed, insectivorous nuthatch of remote Eurasian moun- see some of our relatives in Louisiana. Being a strong
tains, per Don Roberson. It breeds high in the mountains birder, I naturally planned out our route to take us to
from the Spanish Pyrenees and European Alps through the some of the best birding trails and spots along the
Himalayas to China. In winter, birds move to lower eleva- gulf coast. One of the spots we visited was the Jean
tions to inhabit quarries, ruins and boulders in river beds. LaFitte Wetlands Preserve south of New Orleans.
The Wallcreeper is the only member of its family and is
rare in all locations. It is most easily found in Bulgaria. 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.
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.
Gambel’s Tales
Page 7
EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE VALLEY salute to the migrant flock of Turkey Vultures before
these huge black birds fly south to spend their winter
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project months in Mexico. Celebrate ornithology and learn
about Turkey Vultures, misunderstood scavengers
A birders paradise awaits you just 1/2 mile south of
which play an integral role in our Sonoran desert eco-
downtown Phoenix! Discover many of the 200 species of
system. Join our staff and volunteers observing the
birds that have been identified at the Rio Salado Habitat
resident flock from 7-8:30 a.m. Visitors are invited to
Restoration Area as you walk along the Salt River.
join our 8:30 a.m. guided birdwalk to learn about
The bird walk for this month is on Saturday, September other species. Desert Rivers Audubon will be here;
6, 2008, led by Tom Gaskill. The walk is from 7:30-9:30 Arizona Game & Fish Department wildlife rehab vol-
a.m. (CourseID #50723). Meet at the visitors’ plaza on unteers will bring their popular exhibit of live birds,
the north bank at Central Ave. reptiles and small mammals 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
There is a Sparrow ID workshop (Course ID #50720) on Boyce Thompson Arboretum is now in their winter
Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. schedule from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during special
programs. Admission of $7.50 for adults, $3 ages 5-
If birds are not your thing, maybe bats are. There is a Bat 12.
Walk, Talk and Listen program (Course ID #50724) on
Saturday, September 13, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. For driving directions or other details, call 520-689-
2811 or visit their internet website at http://
You should make your reservation in advance by visiting arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/.
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS and click on Classes and
Programs and enter the course number. You can also call Festivals
602-262-6863 and leave a voice mail. Note: All of the
courses above including the bird walk have a cost of $5 Monterey Bay Birding Festival September 26-28,
for adults, $1 for youths and seniors, 2008, in Watsonville, California
Birders’ Anonymous Join bird watchers for the 4th Annual Monterey Bay
Birding Festival that will be held in Watsonville, Cali-
Birders’ Anonymous, a group of birdwatchers, has their
next meeting on Friday, September 19, 2008, from 10 – fornia. Over 220 species were found in 2007. See their
11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Palms on the corner of website at http://www.montereybaybirding.org/
Boswell and 103rd Ave. in Sun City in King Hall.
For further information contact Marshall Esty at 623-977- Sandhill Crane Festival November 7-8, 2008, in
1637 or at mne@juno.com Lodi, California
Desert Botanical Garden Crane tours and family activities, art show, wine re-
ception and featured speakers. www.cranefestival.com
Desert Botanical Garden entrance fees of $10.00 ($9.00
seniors) apply unless you’re a DBG member. Member-
15th Annual Wings Over Willcox Sandhill Crane
ship is $55 a year. See their website at www.dbg.org for
Celebration – January 14-18, 2009.
further information.
Tours and Seminars focus on: Sandhill Cranes – thou-
Hassayampa River Preserve sands up close and personal, Raptors and Winter Spar-
Entrance fees are $5, TNC members $3 and children 12 rows, Geology, Southwest History and Archeology,
and under are free. For information call 928 684-2772 or Mining, Ranching and Farming, Beginning and Ad-
e-mail www.bmccollum@tnc.org. vanced Birding, Wildlife Photography, Astronomy,
Bats and Reptiles, Free Seminars, Trade Fair and Si-
For those into bird banding, the dates are Saturday, Sep- lent Auction and noted ornithologist Dr. Paul Johns-
tember 6 and Saturday, September 20, 2008, starting at gard is the Banquet speaker. Willcox, Arizona. 800-
200-2272 or www.wingsoverwillcox.com
6:30 a.m.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum 13th Annual San Diego Birding Festival—March
5-8, 2009, at the Marina Village.
“Bye-Bye Buzzards” - September 27, 2008 The keynote speaker will be David Sibley. He will
(Saturday) from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. also lead a trip. http://www.sandiegoaudubon.org/
One of the Arboretum’s signature events is our seasonal birdfest.htm
Gambel’s Tales
Page 9
Calendar of Monthly Meetings…
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