Detail of Anna’s hummingbird by Cindy Brocious

BIRDS OF TOHONO CHUL PARK QUILT

Help celebrate 25 years of connecting nature, art and culture at Tohono Chul Park by purchasing tickets for the chance to win the “Birds of Tohono Chul Park” quilt. This work of art will is on display at La Entrada, the garden museum shop at the Park’s entrance. (a no fee area) Raffle tickets are on sale now ($5 each or five for $20).

The opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitat has always drawn people to Tohono Chul Park. Visitors with binoculars around their necks come here hoping to catch sight of a Cooper’s hawk, Verdin, Phainopepla and many other winged creatures who make their homes in the Sonoran Desert.

It is fitting that a fundraising quilt in honor of Tohono Chul Park’s 25th Anniversary should feature our feathered friends! Tohono Chul Park volunteers, docents and staff members have collaborated to stitch this stunning piece depicting 14 local birds. Park volunteer Helen Roach, designed “Birds of Tohono Chul Park” with individually designed bird blocks created by 13 sewers, and quilting by professional quilter, Nubin Jensen. Project expenses were supported by donations, including a
generous grant from the Tucson Quilters Guild.

Tickets may be purchased at Park admissions or by calling 520-742-6455 extension 0. The lucky winner will be announced on May 20 at the opening reception for the Tohono Chul Park A-to-Z exhibit, 5:30-7:30 pm. Winner need not be present to win!

Want to learn more about the natural history of the birds represented? Just log onto the Park’s Facebook page, beginning the week of February 1, 2010, where a new bird will be featured each week. You’ll also get to know a bit more about the volunteers and staff who contributed.

List of male birds represented:
1. Cardinal: Cardinalis cardinalis
2. Costa’s Hummingbird: Calypte costae
3. Curve-billed Thrasher: Toxostoma curvirostre
4. White-winged Dove: Zenaida asiatica
5. Hooded Oriole: Icterus cucullatus
6. Elf Owl: Micrathene whitneyi
7. Cooper’s Hawk: Accipiter copperii
8. Gila Woodpecker: Melanerpes uropygialis
9. Phainopepla: Phainopepla nitens
10. Anna’s Hummingbird: Calypte anna
11. Verdin: Auriparus flaviceps
12. Cactus Wren: Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
13. Roadrunner: Geococcyx californianus
14. Gambel’s Quail: Callipepla gambelii