Jim Hoagland
An increasing number of residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch have been involved in a number of birding activities this year. The monthly bird surveys on the Nature Trail continued with up to 10 birders each month recording between 25 to 30 species on the 1.25-mile walk. This year we added two new species to our bird species count from these surveys—the Lazuli Bunting and the Black-throated Gray-Warbler—for a grand total of 102 species! If you have never joined us, please contact me at [email protected] to be notified of upcoming events. We welcome all levels of birders and encourage those who would like to learn more about birding to join us. Binoculars will be provided if you don’t have any.
The Ranch pond continues to attract many spring and fall migrating birds and hosts many wintering ducks, including American Wigeon, teals, Ring-necked ducks, Pied-billed Grebe, Mallards, and Mexican Mallards. Over 40 species of shorebirds and ducks depend on the pond for a safe habitat. It was exciting to see a male Belted Kingfisher catching fish from the pond this October.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Cuckoo’s Birdathon in April was an enormous success in its fourth year. Twelve residents participated in the 24-hour Birdathon, seeing over 127 species. Over $8,000 was raised for the Tucson Audubon Society thanks to the generosity of the Ranch community, friends, and family. For the third year in a row, we were the top fundraisers for this event.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Woodworking Club has been busy building nest boxes this year for the Tucson Audubon Society. This year’s projects included flycatcher boxes and over 55 boxes for Lucy’s Warblers. Thanks to all the Woodworking Ranch volunteers for helping to make these nesting boxes. You can purchase them at the Tucson Audubon’s Nature Store in Tucson at 300 E. University Blvd. In previous years, the Woodworking Club has built owl boxes. Having installed one, I was able to finally attract a Western Screech Owl this year.
December is the start of the annual Christmas Bird Count that has been conducted since 1900. Volunteers from across North America and beyond take to the field during one calendar day between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 to record every bird species and individual bird encountered within a designated 15-mile diameter circle. The closest Christmas Bird count to us is the Dudleyville Circle, to be conducted on Jan. 5, 2025. It is the 25th year for the Dudleyville Circle count. If you are interested in taking part, please contact me.
I am extremely proud of the birding and nature group here where we adhere to the mission of the Tucson Audubon Society, “to inspire people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, and restoration of the environment upon which we all depend.” My goal for 2025 is to take on some new community nature projects at the Ranch. I have a few in mind, but if you have any suggestions, please let me know. Good Birding and Happy Holidays to everyone.