City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

A snowy egret skims the waters at The Lakes at Castle Rock on Tucson's east side. Castle Rock is one of many artificial-lake areas of Tucson that have drawn well over 100 bird species, according to the website eBird.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

Deb Vath, left; Linda Greene, in white hat; Sharon Arkin and David Lindo spy various birds at the Sweetwater Wetlands.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

An American wigeon, one of dozens of ducks taking advantage of the water, splashes down at The Lakes at Castle Rock.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

A northern shoveler stays dry for the moment at the Sweetwater Wetlands.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

Unperturbed by passers-by, a great egret stands its ground at The Lakes at Castle Rock. When The development was built 31 years ago, it was controversial because of its use of water.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

On a sunny, cool morning recently on Tucson's far northeast side, a Say's phoebe, complete with a light-orange breast and a gray back, stood atop an orange metal fence.

Do you love urban wildlife? Then help to restore preserve's habitat Saturday

Trees will be planted in this area at the trailhead of the Atturbury-Lyman Bird and Animal Sanctuary. "The goal is to re-establish native vegetation for the benefit of birds and other wildlife at the sanctuary," said Kendall Kroesen, habitats program manager for the Tucson Audubon Society.

Do you love urban wildlife? Then help to restore preserve's habitat Saturday

The trail along the basin section of Atturbury-Lyman Bird and Animal Sanctuary, 8300 E. Escalante Road, is wide, winding and shady.

Do you love urban wildlife? Then help to restore preserve's habitat Saturday

Birds, other wildlife - and people, as well - will benefit from habitat restoration work at an urban nature preserve Saturday.

You can learn about bugs in unique setting

The University of Arizona Department of Entomology's photographer Margarethe Brummermann, in conjunction with the Tucson Audubon Society, put on A Buggy Night in Peppersauce Canyon last Thursday. A structure containing black lights and sodium vapor lights attracted insects.

You can learn about bugs in unique setting

Rick Gagnon and Margarethe Brummermann, both at right, photograph and watch insects. Brummermann talks about insects and their habitats and behaviors at her events. Participants are free to get up close and personal with the bugs.

You can learn about bugs in unique setting

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You can learn about bugs in unique setting

If you go

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

A bird finds a scenic perch near a pasture in Amado. Field trips next month will take birders to sites around Southeastern Arizona, including Cienega Creek, Catalina State Park and the Catalina and Huachuca mountains.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

Hundreds of birders are expected to flock to various events planned next month by the Tucson Bird and Wildlife Festival.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

Bird-watchers find a good observation spot at Oracle State Park.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

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Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

People from 20 states have already signed up for a major bird-watching bash in Tucson - even though it's more than a month away.

EPA takes firsthand look at Rosemont

The Rosemont Mine, which would have an open pit and tailing piles, is proposed for a northern part of the Santa Rita Mountains, south of Tucson. EPA officials met with mine officials and opponents during a recent visit.