Prepare - Tucson Audubon Societytucsonaudubon.org/.../TAS-TBWF2014-program.pdf · and learn, to see new birds and new worlds. Steve spent his formative years birding throughout Britain

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FESTIVAL KEYNOTER STEVE N. G. HOWELL

Join Steve for the festival keynote dinner presentation Shift Happens: Rare (Vagrant) Birds in North America—Why, Where, and Whence? (details p 7), “funshops” Got Molt? and

How To Use Your Flipping Field Guide (details p 6), and field trips Hummingbird Safari and Local Hotspot: Sweetwater Wetlands (details pp 3 & 5) throughout the festival weekend!

Tucson Audubon and the Riverpark Inn invite you to experience southeastern Arizona birding at its best. Immerse yourself in the spectacular and unique biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert and Sky Islands at the fourth annual Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival. Don’t miss the Sky Islands Birding Cup .

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REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/FESTIVAL

AUGUST 13–17

Prepare to be amazed by nature

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KEYNOTESTEVE N. G. HOWELLheadlines this year’s Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival. Join Steve for his festival keynote dinner presentation Shift Happens: Rare (Vagrant) Birds in North America—Why, Where, and Whence?, a timely presentation accompanied by a book signing for his newest publication, Rare Birds of North America. Learn new skills and have fun too during Steve’s “funshops” Got Molt? What is Molt and Will You Age Better if You Know Something About It? and How To Use Your Flipping Field Guide. Steve will be your guide on the field trips Hummingbird Safari for Beginners and Local Hotspot: Sweetwater Wetlands.

Steve N. G. Howell is a tour leader with WINGS and a widely published author. He has been birding for as long as he can remember—of course, this may simply mean that his memory isn’t very good... But the hundreds who have traveled with him on tours around the world soon learn that birding can be great fun, as well as being a way to enjoy and learn, to see new birds and new worlds. Steve spent his formative years birding throughout Britain and, after university, ended up in Mexico through a series of random events. So began a 14-year venture, culminating in the publication of A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America, co-authored with Sophie Webb. Steve recently celebrated 30 years of birding and travel in Mexico, a truly magical country full of amazing birds. Away from land he is a world-renowned expert on seabirds, and has spent over four years of his life at sea and encountered over 95 percent of the world’s tubenoses. Interests beyond birds include chocolate, tequila, and flyingfish.

At the Tucson Bird & Wildlife 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 Nature Expo where you’ll find festival fun for the

whole family. Learn new skills in workshops, and

expand your horizons over dinner presentations. Make

monsoon memories in Tucson this August 13–17.

The Tucson Bird & Wildlife 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 Tucson Bird & Wildlife 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.

Your participation in the Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival sends a message that Birders Mean Business! Thank you.

WELCOME!

¬ F O R F E S T I V A L I N F O R M A T I O N , L A T E S T U P D A T E S , A N D M O R E , V I S I T W W W . T U C S O N A U D U B O N . O R G / F E S T I V A L ¬

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ETUCSON BIRD & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL • AUGUST 13–17, 2014

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, moisture-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, Grace’s, Black-throated Gray, and Virginia’s, plus Olive Warbler and Painted Redstart, are joined in mid-August by the first southbound migrants such as Townsend’s and Hermit Warblers. These highlights 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. This fifth season is unique, and perhaps the most eagerly awaited by locals.

Come join us for festival fun in what is arguably one of the richest and most exciting birding areas in the country. Prepare to be amazed!

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TUCSON BIRD & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL • AUGUST 13–17, 2014

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Field Trips Difficulty Levels� Flat 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 terrainPrices are per person, registration required (includes transportation, and packed lunch on full-day trips)

HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS SWEETWATER WETLANDSFri 8/15 6–9 am � $25 ppThis 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. We’ll look for everything from Cinnamon Teal to Abert’s Towhee! Accompanying our group will be representatives from optics companies, offering a great chance to try out a variety of binoculars, and our keynote speaker, Steve N. G. Howell, who will offer his wealth of knowledge on bird identification and field guide use. **Meet at Sweetwater Wetlands**

CIENEGA CREEK & DAVIDSON CANYONFri 8/15, Sun 8/17 5:30–11 am � $50 pp Here 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.

MADERA CANYON SAMPLER Fri 8/15 5:30 am–12 pm � $50 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 8/16 5:30am–12:30 pm � $50 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 sought-after 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.

CATALINA STATE PARKSat 8/16 6–11 am � $50 pp A diversity of habitats here should yield a wide variety of bird species: saguaro and palo verde desertscrub, mesquite woodland along washes, and scattered ash, sycamore, and oak trees along an intermittent stream are all included. Arizona specialties like Abert’s Towhee and Rufous-winged Sparrow should be found here, as well as the Sonoran Desert endemic Gilded Flicker, and with a bit of luck, regional specialities like Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Pyrrhuloxia, and Varied Bunting.

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARKSat 8/16 6–11 am � $50 pp The Sonoran Desert is generally regarded as the most verdant desert on the planet, with a remarkably diverse assemblage of plants and animals. Saguaro NP protects a large tract of magnificent Sonoran Desert habitat, with towering saguaros and a host of other cacti; and mesquites, palo verde, and ironwood trees along with the birds and other wildlife that depend on these plant communities. Ash-throated and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Gambel’s Quail, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Pyrrhuloxia, Cactus Wren, Harris’ Hawk, Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker and more.

MT. LEMMON & MT. BIGELOWSun 8/17 5 am–1 pm � $50 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

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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.

WILLCOX SHOREBIRDING EXCURSIONSun 8/17 5:30 am–12 pm � $50 ppWitness migration in action on this relaxed half-day trip to the Willcox Twin Lakes and Benson Sewage Ponds. Get tips on how to ID some of the shorebird species that, albeit briefly, call Arizona home. American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope, Long-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral, Stilt, Baird’s, Western, and Least Sandpipers are likely, as are an array of migrant swallow species, and birds of the open grassland like Scaled Quail and Horned Lark.

MADERA CANYON TROGON TREK Sun 8/17 5:30 am–12 pm � $50 ppA special effort to locate the stunning Elegant Trogon may require a roundtrip hike of up to 3 miles, over generally well-groomed (but occasionally steep) trails. Once we have secured views of our main target species we will spend the remainder of the morning exploring oak-filled lower Madera Canyon; Bridled Titmouse, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Arizona Woodpecker, and a variety of hummingbirds are on our hit list.

FULL-DAY FIELD TRIPSFORT HUACHUCAFri 8/15 5 am–3:30 pm� $85 ppYOU MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN TO GO ON THIS TRIP, NO EXCEPTIONS.Join us as we explore the well-watered canyons on Fort Huachuca. Beautiful Garden and Huachuca Canyons offer excellent birding, with large stands of Arizona Sycamore, and permanently flowing creeks. We’ll spend the day birding these two sites, where both Elegant Trogon and Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers are quite common. The oak forests lining the canyon support the full range of Arizona specialties, such as Arizona Woodpecker, Hepatic

Tanager and Painted Redstart, and the pine forests at the end of the roads host Olive and Grace’s Warblers, Greater Pewee, and Buff-breasted Flycatchers. Due to food restrictions on the fort we will likely take lunch in nearby Sierra Vista or, time permitting, in the adjacent Miller Canyon, a haven for myriad hummingbird species. Back to the Riverpark Inn by 3 pm.

CALIFORNIA GULCH ADVENTUREFri 8/15, Sat 8/16 5 am–4 pm � $85 pp This trip sets out in search of some of the avian treasures (at the very northern edge of their ranges here) for which southeastern 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 Kingbird, 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 8/15 5 am–4 pm � $85 ppSoutheastern Arizona is a mecca for U.S. hummingbird 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 Fri 8/15, Sat 8/16 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, 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.

MT. LEMMON: DESERT TO CONIFERS Fri 8/15, Sat 8/16 5:30 am–3:30 pm � $85 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 Mexico to 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 numbers of 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 8/15, Sun 8/17 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.



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FURTHER AFIELD: HUACHUCA MOUNTAINSSat 8/16 5 am–4 pm � $85 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 and or Miller Canyons, where private banks of hummingbird feeders should be buzzing with activity, including perhaps the very attractive (and range-restricted) Lucifer Hummingbird. In Miller Canyon, time and conditions permitting we will offer an optional hike (about a mile each way, and uphill on a rocky trail) for a chance to see Spotted Owls. For the rest of the trip we will be walking slowly along nearly level dirt roads at up to about 7000 feet in elevation.

BIRD & WILDLIFE VIEWING & PHOTOGRAPHYSat 8/16 5:15 am–1:30 pm� $85 ppGet expert advice and practice your skills in taking bird and wildlife pictures in natural settings on this field workshop. Some photography experience is necessary and those with DSLR

equipment are the intended participants. We will visit lowland desert and canyon habitat in the Santa Rita Mountains to experience a variety of lighting locations and wildlife subjects. Bring your rig and questions, get advice, and practice your skills in taking the “perfect” picture!

SKY ISLANDS NATURALIST SAUNTERSat 8/16 5:30 am–4 pm � $85 ppJoin this detailed exploration of the natural history of the Sky Islands region. Wander the lush riparian areas, mesquite bosques, and grasslands near Patagonia Lake learning about the area’s birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, native plants, ethnobotany, tracking, geology, and history. Walking at a moderate pace over varied terrain you’ll soon discover why southeast Arizona harbors the greatest biodiversity in all of North America! Added bonus: The chance to see a number of regional specialty birds.

PATAGONIA & RIO RICOSat 8/16 5:30 am–4 pm � $85 ppTowering cottonwoods support Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Northern Beardless-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 Black-bellied 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, Thick-billed Kingbird and Violet-crowned Hummingbird.

PATAGONIA & SONOITA Sun 8/17 5:30 am–4 pm � $85 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 including the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Harshaw Canyon, and of course the Patons’ Hummingbird Haven; the latest reports will determine our exact itinerary. Targets include Gray Hawk, Thick-billed Kingbird, Varied Bunting, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Botteri’s, Grasshopper, and Cassin’s Sparrows.

HUMMINGBIRD SAFARI FOR BEGINNERS Sun 8/17 6 am–2 pm � $85 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! Join festival keynoter Steve N. G. Howell, author of Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide, for a field workshop that covers hummingbird basics.

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PRE-FESTIVAL FIELD TRIPto the Chiricahua MountainsBIRD COMMUNITIES OF THE SKY ISLANDSAugust 10–12, 2014Southwestern Research StationJoin the dynamic birding duo of Rick Taylor and John Yerger for a field oriented exploration of the Sky Islands with a birder’s slant! For details, contact Bete Jones [email protected] 520-629-0510 ext 7012 or visit tucsonaudubon.org/festival.

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WORKSHOPSTHURSDAY, August 14FLYCATCHERS WITH HOMER HANSEN 1:30–3 pm at the Riverpark Inn $35 ppLeap into the identification of Empidonax and Myiarchus flycatchers! This workshop introduces you to the diverse family Tyrannidae and highlights the ways to separate the kingbirds, pewees, empids and flycatchers of southeastern Arizona.

HOW TO USE YOUR FLIPPING FIELD GUIDE WITH STEVE N. G. HOWELL 3:30–5:30 pm at the Riverpark Inn $35 pp Don’t we all know how to use a field guide? Perhaps, perhaps not... Have you ever wondered: What makes a good field guide, and why? How can I get the most out of my guide? Do I have the right field guide for my purposes? As birders of any level, we likely own at least one field guide. But which one(s), and why? How are they laid out? How do we use them? Can we get more out of them? And the field guide is only part of the equation — you are the other part: How do you see birds and look at them? How do you identify birds? In this talk (not a work-shop but maybe a fun-shop? I mean, who really wants to work?), Steve N. G. Howell examines these intertwined questions and hopes to make you think about how you look at birds, how you identify them, and how you can get more out of birding.

FRIDAY, August 15GOT MOLT? WHAT IS MOLT AND WILL YOU AGE BETTER IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT IT? WITH STEVE N. G. HOWELL 3:30-5:30pm at the Riverpark Inn $35 ppMolt is more than a four-letter word. It is a fundamental process in the life of every bird: No molt = no feathers = no bird. What could be more basic than that? Of course, there is no need to know anything about molt to enjoy watching

birds, but even knowing a bit about molt can add another dimension to the fun of birding, to what you can see and learn by watching birds. Steve N. G. Howell, author of the Peterson Reference Guide to Molt in North American Birds, covers the basics of this under-regarded subject, starting with: What is Molt? (molt = feather growth, it is that simple). He then discusses different types of molt and molt strategies. Armed with this background knowledge we will go on and use our newfound knowledge, apply it to birds in the real world, learn more about them and their lives.

GO BATTY UNDER THE BRIDGE! WITH DR. RONNIE SIDNER5:45–8:15 pm $25 ppJoin bat biologist Dr. Ronnie Sidner for a trip to the Campbell-Rillito River Bridge to witness the thrilling sunset flight of bats. This is a bat roost that it’s okay to respectfully visit without harming bats. Thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats (and smaller numbers of two or more other species) fly out right in front of you as they head off for their nightly insect feast. If you’ve seen this bat drama before, come again, because the flights differ on various nights, and Ronnie will be there to answer your questions on site about bats, roosts, biology, and conservation. With sonar detectors we’ll identify other bat species and listen to the cacophony of bats shouting that your ears can’t hear otherwise. (Bring binoculars for even closer views of bats and possibly other creatures as well.)

SATURDAY, August 16BEGINNING BIRDING WITH LYNN HASSLER10–12 pm at the Riverpark Inn $35 ppThis workshop is designed for beginners, providing an overview of how to get started, including discussions on the tools you’ll need (and how to use them), where (and when) to look for birds, how to identify what you see, and information on some of the local species that you might encounter on Festival field trips!

GARDENING TO ATTRACT HUMMINGBIRDS WITH LYNN HASSLER1:30–2:30 pm at the Riverpark Inn $25 ppHummingbirds are, in a word, mesmerizing. With wings buzzing and a-blur, these diminutive creatures seem to defy the laws of physics and flight. Learn a bit about their lifestyles and how to create a garden with plants that are sure to attract their attention. Lynn is author of Hummingbirds of the American West.

SUNDAY, August 17LANDSCAPING FOR SUSTAINABILITY WITH KENDALL KROESEN10–11 am at the Riverpark Inn $5 ppThis workshop covers urban birds in Tucson and basic principles for gardening and landscaping that support native birds and emphasize sustainability, sense of place and biodiversity. The focus is on use of varied native plants, rainwater harvesting, use of graywater and other desert-adapted techniques. You will leave with a good orientation toward creating biologically and structurally diverse landscapes and how gardens and landscapes can form a unified whole.


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FESTIVAL NIGHTLIFENIGHTLIFE SOCIALThu 8/14 5–7:30 pm at the Riverpark Inn Free for registered festival participants.Gather with other birders, festival speakers, and vendors to kick off the fourth annual Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival! Get to know your festival leaders and a few special nocturnal guests—a real “Who’s HOO!” Light refreshments provided, cash bar.

SOCIAL HOURFri 8/15, Sat 8/16 5:30–6:30 pm at the Riverpark Inn FREE ENTRYMix and mingle with other Festival attendees and leaders after a great day’s birding! Cash Bar.

Friday Feature PresentationFORTY YEARS OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT WITH ROBERT MESTAFri 8/15 6:30–8:30 pm at the Riverpark Inn$35 pp, includes buffet dinnerLast year the iconic Endangered Species Act, the most significant, well-known and embattled piece of conservation legislation, turned forty. In his presentation, Robert will share an intimate look at the successes and continuing struggles to save and protect four high-profile endangered birds with unique ties to the American Southwest. Robert will tell and illustrate the stories of the recovery of the California Condor, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Masked Bobwhite.

Saturday Feature PresentationSHIFT HAPPENS: RARE (VAGRANT) BIRDS IN NORTH AMERICA — WHY, WHERE, AND WHENCE? WITH STEVE N. G. HOWELLSat 8/16 6:30–8:30 pm at the Riverpark Inn$35 pp, includes buffet dinnerMost birders know somebody who has found a rare bird, or they may have found one themselves. It’s always fun to see something different – variety is the spice of life and adds a buzz to any day of birding. Southeast Arizona is one of the vagrancy hotspots in North America, but why do Blue-footed Boobies and Rufous-capped Warblers and Aztec Thrushes show up there? Vagrancy isn’t random, but it may seem so when you hear about a Lesser Frigatebird in Michigan, a flock of Ruddy Shelduck in Arctic Canada, a Sungrebe in New Mexico, or a Baikal Teal in Arizona. Illustrated with stunning plates by Ian Lewington from the recently published Rare Birds of North America (co-authored by Will Russell, Ian, and Steve), this illuminating and entertaining talk explores why rare birds show up in North America, where they show up, and where they come from.

THE SKY ISLANDS BIRDING CUP A Bold Big Day EventAugust 13, 2014The challenges involved in this particular competition are intriguing. Many birds wait exclusively for this time of year to sing, breed, and generally become more observable. Still others are not singing and must be detected visually or by call notes. Meanwhile, southbound migrants are arriving. Thus, not every species can be staked out, and must be encountered by a combination of skill and luck on the Big Day. Over 200 species are possible, and the Arizona Big Day record stands at 199. No matter what the outcome for your team, the birds are the real winners! Funds raised by the Sky Islands Birding Cup will support a fencing project at Patagonia Lake to protect the natural riparian area. Or, you may collect pledges on behalf of the conservation cause of your choice! Full details and registration forms online attucsonaudubon.org/cupResults announced at the Nightlife Social on August 14.

NATURE EXPOFriday & Saturday, 10 am–6 pm Sunday, 10 am–2 pm

The Nature Expo at the Riverpark Inn features opportunities to get up close and personal with live birds, reptiles, insects, and other critters! • Shop for nature-related gifts, books,

optics, and much more. • Get all your optics questions answered

by a variety of optics reps. • Attend free natural history talks.• No advance registration is required to

attend—just show up and sign in!

OPTICS DAYFriday, August 15Try out optics in the field during the Sweetwater trip.Learn about choosing and using binoculars and spotting scopes during Optics 101 talks.

SPECIAL EXTRASADVOCACY STATION AT THE NATURE EXPOFriday/Saturday/Sunday, August 15–17 Learn about local conservation issues, how these issues affect birds and how you can get involved. A great chance to get educated on hot topics as well as tips for effective advocacy!

GO WILD! FAMILY DAY Saturday, August 16. Bring the kids! A fun lineup of family-friendly free talks and other festival activities from 10 am to 3 pm. Bring the kids to meet live birds and reptiles. Experience some of the amazing methods that plants and animals use to survive in the desert through hands-on activities for kids of all ages.

YOUTH BIRDING OUTINGSunday, August 17 FREEA fabulous opportunity for kids to join the fun of birding at Sweetwater Wetlands! Anyone age 10 to 18 with an interest in birds or bird photography is invited. Parents welcome! Loaner binocs available. For details and to RSVP contact Julie at 520-629-0510 ext. 7011.

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The Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival thanks

Carl Zeiss Sports Optics for their Gray Hawk level sponsorship of the event.

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Our expert field trip leaders, workshop instructors, and dinner presenters include:

Jeff Babson

Chris Benesh

Andy Bennett

Gavin Bieber

Jennie Duberstein

Richard Fray

Brian Gibbons

Paul Green

Matt Griffiths

Laurens Halsey

Homer Hansen

Lynn Hassler

Steve N. G. Howell

Kendall Kroesen

Jennie MacFarland

Robert Mesta

Jake Mohlmann

Scott Olmstead

Sara Pike

Vincent Pinto

Ronnie Sidner

Rick Taylor

John Yerger

The Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival planning committee brings their passion and vision to making the festival a success.

Tucson Audubon staff and volunteers work throughout the year to ensure every detail falls into place.

Festival sponsors: Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, City of Tucson, Opticron, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide

Festival Hosts

Festival Sponsors

WINGSBirding Tours Worldwide

www.wingsbirds.com

Media Sponsors

Special Thanks toU.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Land

Management; National Parks Service; Pima County Natural Resources, Parks

& Recreation; Arizona State Parks.

THANK YOU!The Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival is made possible by an

amazing team of supporters.

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


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

Carbon OffsetsTraveling a long distance to get to the festival? Offset your travel carbon emissions by improving local bird habitat. We’ve partnered with The Local Trust to increase urban habitat for WatchList birds like Gilded Flicker, Costa’s Hummingbird, and Lucy’s Warbler.

Car RentalTake advantage of our Corporate Rates at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and support Tucson Audubon! Discounted rates are valid for pickup at any Arizona Enterprise location. To access these special rates, please enter L509177 pin # TUC when you book. Enterprise will make a donation to Tucson Audubon for each rental generated through this link or code!

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 accommodations 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 a free breakfast, free wireless, free parking, on-site restaurant, swimming pool, and more!

350 South Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85745

From I-10, take Congress Street exit 258.

SPEEDWAY

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TUCSONINT’L AIRPORT

CONGRESS

SPECIAL FESTIVAL RATE at the Riverpark Inn: $69/night + tax (includes complimentary full American breakfast buffet or “Early Birder” breakfast to go). Call 800-551-1466 and ask for the “Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival” rate. Valid Aug 11–21, 2014.

The Riverpark Inn is a member of Tucson Audubon’s Birds & Business Alliance and a proud co-host and partner of the Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival!

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

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FESTIVAL SCHEDULETo register for the Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival, visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/festivalRegistration 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 registered parent/guardian.

Early Bird Group Discount: Parties of 6 or more registering together before May 1 get 10% off! Please contact Julie at 520-629-0510 ext. 7011 to access these discounts.

l Field Trip n Workshop t Evening Program

WEDNESDAY, August 1312:00 am–11:59 pm Sky Islands Birding Cup

THURSDAY, August 141:30 pm–3:00 pm Workshop: Flycatchers with

Homer Hansen n $353:30 pm–5:30 pm Workshop: How To Use Your

Flipping Field Guide with Steve N. G. Howell n $35

5:00 pm–7:30 pm Nightlife Social t5:00 pm–7:30 pm NATURE EXPO PREVIEW

FRIDAY, August 155:00 am–4:00 pm California Gulch

Adventure l $855:00 am–3:30 pm Fort Huachuca l $855:00 am–4:00 pm Big Hummingbird Day l $85

5:15 am–2:00 pm Montosa Canyon/Florida Canyon l $85

5:30 am–11:00 am Cienega Creek / Davidson Canyon l $50

5:30 am–12:00 pm Madera Canyon Sampler l $50

5:30 am–2:00 pm Borderland Specialties l $855:30 am–3:30 pm Mt. Lemmon: Desert

to Conifers l $856:00 am–9:00 am Sweetwater Wetlands l $2510:00 am –6:00 pm NATURE EXPO OPEN10:00 am–6:00 pm ADVOCACY STATION11:00 am –1:30 pm TERRACE CAFÉ OPEN3:30 pm–5:30 pm Workshop: Got Molt? with

Steve N. G. Howell n $355:45 pm–8:15 pm Workshop: Go Batty

Under the Bridge with Ronnie Sidner n $25

5:30 pm–6:30 pm Social Hour t 6:30 pm–8:30 pm Keynote Dinner featuring

Robert Mesta t $35

SATURDAY, August 165:00 am–4:00 pm Huachuca Mountains l $855:00 am–4:00 pm California Gulch

Adventure l $855:15 am–1:30 pm Bird & Wildlife Viewing &

Photography l $855:30 am–12:30 pm Las Cienegas NCA l $505:30 am–2:00 pm Borderland Specialties l $855:30 am–3:30 pm Mt. Lemmon: Desert to

Conifers l $855:30 am–4:00 pm Sky Islands Naturalist

Saunter l $855:30 am–4:00 pm Patagonia & Rio Rico l $856:00 am–11:00 am Catalina State Park l $50

6:00 am–11:00 am Saguaro National Park l $5010:00 am–3:00 pm GO WILD! FAMILY DAY10:00 am–6:00 pm NATURE EXPO OPEN10:00 am–6:00 pm ADVOCACY STATION10:00 am–12:00 pm Workshop: Beginning Birding

with Lynn Hassler n $35 11:00 am–1:30 pm TERRACE CAFÉ OPEN1:30 pm–2:30 pm Workshop: Gardening to

Attract Hummingbirds with Lynn Hassler n $25

5:30 pm–6:30 pm Social Hour t 6:30 pm–8:30 pm Keynote Dinner featuring

Steve N. G. Howell t $35

SUNDAY, August 175:00 am–1:00 pm Mt. Lemmon / Mt.

Bigelow l $505:15 am–2:00 pm Montosa Canyon/Florida

Canyon l $85 5:30 am–11:00 am Cienega Creek / Davidson

Canyon l $505:30 am–12:00 pm Madera Canyon

Trogon Trek l $505:30 am–12:00 pm Willcox Shorebirding l $505:30 am–4:00 pm Patagonia & Sonoita l $856:00 am–2:00 pm Hummingbird Safari l $856:30 am–9:00 am Youth Birders’ Outing l 10:00 am –11:00 am Workshop: Landscaping

for Sustainability with Kendall Kroesen n $5

10:00 am–2:00 pm NATURE EXPO OPEN10:00 am–2:00 pm ADVOCACY STATION11:00 am–1:30 pm TERRACE CAFÉ OPEN

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300 E University Blvd, #120Tucson, AZ 85705

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID

TUCSON, AZ PERMIT #1345

EXPERIENCE Southeast Arizona’s Birding at its Best 13–17 AUGUST 2014 • TUCSON, ARIZONA Don’t Miss the Sky Islands Birding CupARIZONA’S WORLD-CLASS BIG DAY BIRDING COMPETITION

Keynote presentation by Steve N.G. Howell, Senior international bird tour leader and author of several books including Rare Birds of North America.Photos: Montezuma Quail (Robert Shantz), Sonoran Desert landscape (Larry Liese), Red-faced Warbler (John Hoffman), Five-striped Sparrow (Rich C. Hoyer / WINGS), Flame-colored Tanager (James Prudente), Gray Hawk (Collins Cochran), White-eared Hummingbird (Lois Manowitz), Elegant Trogon (Dominic Sherony)

¬ R E G I S T E R O N L I N E A T W W W . T U C S O N A U D U B O N . O R G / F E S T I V A L ¬


FESTIVAL REGISTRATION

NOW OPEN

Documents

Prepare - Tucson Audubon Societytucsonaudubon.org/.../TAS-TBWF2014-program.pdf · and learn, to see new birds and new worlds. Steve spent his formative years birding throughout Britain