Hello ~ It's been a couple of decades since we took up the Tucson Audubon Bird-a-thon challenge, and we are ready to jump back in.  Our goal is a modest $450, but we hope to meet and exceed it.  We will do our bird-a-thon on April 15, which will be the 45th anniversary of our first date, and we will be seeking at least 45 species!  Where did we go on our first date?  We were students at Northwestern University, and we went to a rally in downtown Chicago led by the Chicago 7.  Where will we go birding on April 15, 2015?  We like the little traveled riparian area in the Santa Rita Mountains along the road to Mt. Hopkins, as well as our backyard in Barrio Hollywood, Juan Murietta Park for a sure Vermilion Flycatcher, perhaps Sweetwater Wetlands, and maybe more.  Our rescue dog, Blue, will be with us on one leg, and Blue Heeler that he is, he will try to round up a few Cow(birds) and Goats(uckers).  Best of luck to all of the birding teams and thanks to Tucson Audubon Society for all of its good work. -- The Wild Blue Heelers ~ Debbie, Tom and Blue Collazo

Bird-a-thon Trip Report -- Our trio had a great day of birding on April 15, and, as luck would have it, we snagged exactly 45 species.  Some might question two of the species, an American Rooster vocalizing at dawn in Barrio Hollywood, and two plastic Great Horned Owls on the scopes at Mt. Hopkins, but we had some fun on our big day.  On the road up to Mt. Hopkins, four cowboys on horseback with two working dogs passed us.  Their dogs were loose, and one, an Australian shepherd, took a close look at Blue who was on leash.  He mocked Blue a bit for being out birding, but Blue said, "You are barking up the wrong tree.  This Australian cattle dog is proud to raise dollars for TAS, while you mutts are just raising Hell!"  The cowboys and their four-legged partners disappeared up the trail.

Here is our bird list:

1. American Wigeon
2. Mallard
3. Blue-winged Teal
4. Cinnamon Teal
5. Northern Shoveler
6. Ring-necked Duck
7. Gambel's Quail
8. American Rooster
9. Neotropic Cormorant
10. Turkey Vulture
11. Northern Harrier
12. Red-tailed Hawk
13. American Coot
14. White-winged Dove
15. Mourning Dove
16. Greater Roadrunner
17. Great Horned Owl (plastic form)
18. Black-chinned Hummingbird
19. Anna's Hummingbird
20. Broad-billed Hummingbird
21. Gila Woodpecker
22. Ladder-backed Woodpecker
23. Vermilion Flycatcher
24. Ash-throated Flycatcher
25. Mexican Jay
26. Common Raven
27. Violet-green Swallow
28. Verdin
29. Bushtit
30. Canyon Wren
31. Cactus Wren
32. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
33. Curve-bill Thrasher
34. Northern Mockingbird
35. European Starling
36. Phainopepla
37. Yellow Warbler
38. Yellow-breasted Chat
39. Abert's Towhee
40. Black-throated Sparrow
41. Northern Cardinal
42. Red-winged Blackbird
43. Great-tailed Grackle
44. House Finch
45. House Sparrow

Thank You for Supporting Tucson Audubon!

Birds have a unique, special, and different meaning to each of us. So too is each of our connection with Tucson Audubon Society personal and distinct. During Birdathon, we combine the love of bird watching during spring migration with support for bird conservation.

Birdathoners are birders and social fundraisers, joining together to make a difference for the birds and habitats of southeast Arizona. Birdathoners continue a tradition that has held strong for over 25 years. 

Each Birdathoner's personal network of supporters is what helps makes Birdathon possible. 

This April and May, I'm going birding for the birds!