Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park in Superior, Arizona

I really enjoyed the Autumn Bird Walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Our guides were very knowledgeable about the different colors, and sounds that defined each species. She reminded us all before we left that to have a rich experience on this tour we need to: touch, smell, listen, look closely, and be curious. We all helped each other to find birds on our walk. The people on the tour with me were very friendly and easy to talk too.

The Arboretum has a countless amount of plants that survive in the dry climate of the southwestern desert. Some of these plants are cultivated, and some grow naturally here. An example of cultivated plants would be the Eucalyptus Forest. (More than 600 species of Eucalyptus grow in Australia). The Eucalyptus tree comes from Australia. In this section of the walking tour there is a River Red Gum tree that was stuck by lightening, and survived. There are plants from South America, Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Many of these trees were planted here in the 1920's, they are very large. There are many different gardens for many different types of birds and insects. There are rose, sunflower, cactus, legume and herb gardens in the Arboretum. The textures and shapes of the many plants are very fragrant and pleasing to the eye. Water fountains are put in some of these areas to attract birds when drought season occurs.

Many plants in the Arboretum have either flowers or berries that the birds and other creatures eat. Some of them are: pomegranate, honeysuckle, ornamental pistachio, date palm, and hackberry. There are also many different kinds of insects that the birds eat. There are many different species of butterflies in the Arboretum: Black, Sulphur, Common Blue, Tiger, Monarch and Western Swallowtails. Monarch butterflies eat milk weed which can be very toxic to birds. Even as caterpillars, they eat the milk weed too. The caterpillars and butterflies have developed a way so that they can eat the milk weed, and not be poisoned. Birds have learned that these butterflies taste bad so they are not eaten as much, compared to other species of butterflies. This is a way that the monarch butterflies have evolved.

Another creature that has evolved over time is the Zone Tail Hawk. The hawk has a white strip on tail, and is carnivorous. He mimics the Turkey Vulture by gliding instead of flapping his wings. Turkey Vultures glide as they are flying, however they only eat dead organisms. Turkey Vultures also have red colored heads. Small animals are tricked by this movement from the hawk, thinking they are safe, when in reality the hawk is looking for his next meal.

Along the trail we came up to a red-spotted toad. The guides were very familiar with these creatures. The one we saw was as big as a quarter; however they can grow to be as large as your fist. These toads hatched out late August or early part of September. We also saw a fig beetle, or some call it a June beetle, squirrel, chipmunk, water turtle and ornate tree lizards. We saw many birds on our walk. The first bird we heard was a Bell's Vireo. It sounds like it is saying, "Which way to Wichita". This bird sings continuously, even when it is sitting in its nest. Some of the other birds, included: Albert's Towhee, House Finch, Turkey Vulture, Lesser Goldfinch, Warbling Vireo, Red nape Sapsucker, Gila Woodpecker, Western Tanager, Hummingbirds, and Black-throated Grey Warbler, to name a few. The Black-throated Grey Warbler hasn't been seen since last spring. It is common to the area in spring and fall. The Red nape Sapsucker was my favorite because of its colors. They are about 8 ½ inches long, and are the official sign that fall is coming. The guides were very happy to see this bird because it was the first one seen this season, (F.O.S.). The guides also showed us how they peck holes in the trees very methodically. As we continued on our walk we came upon the coughed up remains of a Grey-Horned Owl's dinner. After they eat, they cough up the remains. Sometimes one can find a whole skeleton. The Arboretum had a Golden Eagle living there that was nursed back to health from having a broken leg. It was released back into the wildlife on September 16, 2006.

The main attraction for animals and birds to come and nest in the Arboretum is the water in Ayer Lake. In dry habitats water is the major component in any ecosystem for all species to survive. This lake was created in 1925 to store water for irrigating the Arboretum gardens. Water is pumped into the lake from a well over the ridge of Queen Creek Canyon. Natural desert oases were found throughout the Arizona desert in times past. Today, because of human use of desert water few of the natural oases are left. The Arboretum had a very good rain season this year because they got 12 inches of rain. They use water efficiently in the Arboretum by using sprinklers and creek water from Ayer's Lake. Ayer's Lake has one unwelcome guest that lives in the lake, he eats almost anything. It is a crayfish or crawdad. This creature eats small snakes, turtles, fish, and just about anything it can.

Two species that used to be residents of Ayer's lake were the American Coot and the Pied-billed Grebe. They look like ducks, but they are birds that have evolved into water birds. These ancient birds have not been seen this year, and the people at the Arboretum are concerned that they may become extinct.

Two endangered species of desert fish live in the lake: the Gila Topminnow and the Desert Pupfish. Both were introduced to the Arboretum by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They have both become very rare because of dwindling water supplies in most of Arizona's natural streams and rivers. The introduction of non-native game fish has had an adverse effect on native fish populations.

Another concern of declining populations was for the White Crown Sparrows and Green Tail Towhee; these species have not been seen recently. The deforestation in all areas of the world does not help the bird populations. Some species are declining because of deforestation.

A comical example of competition for resources was when I saw a Red-nape Sapsucker, a Gila Woodpecker, and a Warbling Vireo fighting over the fruit rites in a tree. At the Arboretum summer birds leave, and then winter birds migrate in. I'm sure there is some competition for resources, but the Arboretum is 323 acres. The Arboretum is an oasis for many plants, insects and animal life.

The largest concern that the Arboretum has about pollution is its water system. If the water gets contaminated or if they have a loss in their water supply, the plants and animals may not survive. The personnel at the Arboretum monitor the water daily. They test the water for contamination from the chemicals that the Copper mines use, and from new housing developments that have recently been built in Superior. (The Arboretum is located 3 miles west of Superior.)

The Arboretum had many rest areas with recycle bins. Different bins were labeled: trash, cans and plastic. They also had signs on trees informing the public not to write or crave on trees. There were also metal signs posted with rules for the park:

Do not remove anything,

Do not damage or harm,

No smoking,

Stay on designated trails.

These signs are necessary for the few people that do not respect natural beauty in the wilderness.

The guides told everyone how the funds from our admission help keep this park open. They also mentioned that for only $45.00 a year a person could purchase a yearly membership. This membership would also include 10% off all plants and books in gift shop.

The Arboretum has a variety of plants; insects, retiles and animals which make the environment thrive. This environment supports itself because of the biodiversity. The only resource that is manmade is Ayer's Lake. Water may have been a natural resource in this area, if humans did not poison and deplete this area of this resource.

The Arboretum reminds us: to recycle our wastes, with reminder signs; people need to be conscious and courteous of other living things; grow desert plants in desert communities, so we don't waste water; and by visiting the Arboretum, we remember the natural beauty of our desert; and we should support our State Parks.

This field trip was very informative. The guides were very knowledgeable and approachable. The weather was beautiful for a stroll in the desert. The two hours went by so quickly because each turn on the trail was a new bird, plant, reptile or butterfly. I would recommend this field trip to anyone.