Whiskered
Screech
Owl
Jim Hoagland
The recent SaddleBrooke Ranch Cuckoo’s Birdathon was the most successful in six years. This year, instead of our usual 24-hour Freestyle, we engaged the community in a week of birding activities, April 19–25, with many participating in events, field trips, and the Wrap-Up Party.
Sunday featured Jim Hoagland’s presentation, attended by 125 Ranchers, on the 191 bird species he has observed at the Ranch since 2020. On Tuesday, Michael Bain, Senior Park Ranger at Oracle State Park, spoke about the park and thanked the community for birdseed donations. On Wednesday, Laurie McCoy hosted a Mindful/Meditative session at Oracle State Park. Thursday featured Craig Anderson’s interactive lecture on hummingbirds, attended by over 60 Ranchers.
Nine well-attended field trips took place at the Ranch, Peppersauce Campgrounds, Sweetwater Wetlands, and El Rio Preserve. Gerry Tietje led a group of photographers on the Nature Trail. The most popular field trip was the owling trip led by Tim DeJonghe, where three owls and one nightjar were heard or seen, including the Whiskered Screech Owl. This rare and incredibly special species occurs only in the southeastern corner of Arizona and western and central Mexico.
On Saturday, the Wrap-Up party was held on the Ranch patio, with great raffle prizes. Luke Safford, Director of Engagement for the Tucson Bird Alliance (TBA), provided information on how funds collected during the Birdathon are used to support TBA’s many activities. Overall, 153 bird species were seen during the week, with an amazing 67 species seen here at the Ranch! Thanks to the support of family, friends, and the SBR Community, we also raised over $8,000 for future bird conservation projects and community programs of the Tucson Bird Alliance. Thank you to everyone who participated in events and field trips, or who offered financial support to the Tucson Birding Alliance. Your involvement truly strengthens our local bird habitats and advances environmental education, helping everyone feel included and united in a shared purpose.
The Tucson Bird Alliance held its Wrap-up Party on May 12, where the SBR Cuckoos were recognized for their contribution to this year’s Birdathon. Over 46 teams participated this year, and the SBR Cuckoos were one of the top money fundraisers for the 6th year in a row. With total donations of nearly $50,000 over the last six years, our collective strength highlights an ongoing commitment to conservation!
A special thank you to all the Cuckoos who contributed this year: Laurie McCoy, Deb and Gary Sandin, Gerry and Claire Tietje, Sherre Gilespie, Ben and Nancy Eisenstein, Tim DeJonghe, Carrie Gelsey, Tony and Shirley Sullivan, Michelle Jennings, Laura Haslett, and Dave and Ann Palenshus. We encourage ongoing community involvement in birding events and conservation efforts, making everyone feel appreciated and inspired to contribute.